Agong ends standoff with consent for Tommy Thomas as AG

Updated 8 years ago · Published on 5 Jun 2018 6:30AM · 8 Comments

Tommy Thomas, the new Attorney-General, is seen arriving at Ilham Tower in Kuala Lumpur, on May 31, 2018. – The Malaysian Insight pic, June 5, 2018.

AN impasse over the selection of the new attorney-general has broken with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong consenting to the appointment of Tommy Thomas. 

The King has also consented to the termination of the services of Mohamed Apandi Ali.

“The Yang di-Pertuan Agong also called on all Malaysians to accept that the appointment of the attorney-general should not create religious or racial conflict as every Malaysian should be treated fairly regardless of race and religion,” said Comptroller of the Royal Household, Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz in a statement early this morning.

The news should come as a relief to Malaysians, who were justifiably worried that the post-GE14 climate of warmth and goodwill would give way to acrimony in the event of a drawn-out tussle between the Mahathir administration ‎and royalty.

Some three weeks had passed since Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had written to the King to inform him that Thomas was the government’s choice of AG.

The Palace had reservations, however, and had offered the government an alternative slate of candidates to consider instead.

The Pakatan Harapan government refused to budge and made it clear that under the federal constitution, the prime minister had the sole prerogative in making key appointments.

The Conference of Rulers was to have convened for an emergency meeting on the matter today.

In the past few days, constitutional and legal experts and luminaries, including former chief justice Zaki Azmi, had thrown their support behind Thomas, some pointing out that the King could not withhold assent. 

De facto PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim had visited the royal households to convince them that a non-Malay AG would not change or threaten Malay rights.

Anwar had met the King late last night in Kota Baru. The Malaysian Insight understands that Anwar returned to Kuala Lumpur at 1.40am today, shortly after which the palace had issued the statement.

Wan Ahmad Dahlan said Sultan Muhammad V was disappointed in and concerned about the recent inaccurate and negative media reports on the matter, which could threaten peace and harmony.

“His Majesty said he has an obligation to uphold the federal constitution and preserve the special rights of the Malays and Bumiputera.”

According to Berita Harian, Thomas met with Dr Mahathir at the Prime Minister’s Department around 8.30am today. – June 5, 2018.


 

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Comments

  • What nonsense of a statement. So what was the delay in doing his job and consenting to the governments pick for an AG? The whole process should have just been a formality not a drama and yet again this agong has managed to humiliate the monarchy in Malaysia and paint the institution as a hindrance rather than a benefit.

    Posted 8 years ago by Tom jones · Reply

  • It's best the Royals does their designated duties well in tanden of their returns from the Raykats money. At times they have to revisit their current roles in view of changing times and needs of the Rakyat. I feel some of them are still in their old school....it's time things change and change for the better. This spat could have stopped some 3 weeks ago if folks concern knows what's expected of them....please lead and not told to be led!!!!

    Posted 8 years ago by Crishan Veera · Reply

  • I feel a tinge of PRIDE here. ITS REFRESHING THE AIRING OF ALL SIDES. CLEANSING FOR THE SOUL..THE SYSTEM WORKS...

    Posted 8 years ago by Bigjoe Lam · Reply

  • Whew! That was a close call indeed. Were we on the verge of a fresh constitutional crisis with this A-G issue? Dr. Mahathir might have been impelled to again relook the constitutional role of the King by this sorry episode (by purporting to threaten Parliamentary Democracy) to enhance democratic govt. During his 22 years as Premier he curbed the King's veto on being able to with-hold his consent on giving his approval to laws passed by both Houses of Parliament (the Dewan Rakyat & Dewan Negara) by introducing a new law that laws passed by Parliament will automatically become an effective part of the statute book after 3O days (if no Royal consent is forthcoming) - a huge victory for Parliamentary democracy and rule. The King (and Rulers) must not be a stumbling block when urgent action by the A-G is being needed in many, many areas (like recovering pilfered 1MDB money)..

    Posted 8 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

  • In the first place why did such irrelevant impasse occurred. If the Royal is so caring and concern for the Rakyat , just wonder why the earlier forced resignation and replacement of AG did not warrant their attention where gleefully was accepted.

    Posted 8 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

  • Honestly at that speed I worry about our commander in chief. If there are threats to our beloved land, will it take 2 weeks ... maybe after the fall of the nation before he breaks his royal silence. Anyway it over, let the fireworks begin.......

    Posted 8 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply

  • So happy our Agong finally agrees with the will of Malaysians to appoint Tommy without consideration to race or religion.

    Posted 8 years ago by Roger 5201 · Reply

  • It is noteworthy that the Agong’s statement of consent was issued in the early hours today (June 5), hours after meeting Anwar in Kota Bahru, and ahead of an emergency Conference of Rulers’ meeting scheduled for today to resolve the AG appointment issue.

    Posted 8 years ago by Kim quek · Reply