Tommy Thomas finds little support among Malays in poll

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 15 Aug 2018 5:16PM · 13 Comments

Attorney-General Tommy Thomas's appointment in early June has been criticised by Malay rights groups who fear a non-Muslims in the position traditionally held by a Malay-Muslim, will undermine the special position of Malays and Islam as the country’s official religion. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Seth Akmal, August 15, 2018.

TOMMY Thomas’s appointment to attorney-general remains a thorny issue for Malay voters, says the findings of a poll marking Pakatan Harapan government’s first 100 days.

Only 37% of Malay voters in a survey are satisfied with Thomas as the A-G, pollster Merdeka Centre for Opinion Research has found.

Of Malays surveyed, 38% of them are dissatisfied with Thomas, who replaced Mohamed Apandi Ali after Pakatan Harapan came into federal power.

By ethnicity, non-Malays are the most satisfied with Thomas’ appointment, at 67%. 

Across the board, 49% of those surveyed are satisfied with the A-G, while 25% are dissatisfied.

Merdeka Centre surveyed 1,160 respondents nationwide on August 7-14.

Thomas’ appointment in early June has been criticised by Malay rights groups who fear a non-Muslims in the position traditionally held by a Malay-Muslim, will undermine the special position of Malays and Islam as the country’s official religion.

Malaysia, however, has had non-Muslim attorney-generals in the past, namely, Thomas Vernor Alexander Brodie (1955-1959), Cecil M. Sheridan (1959-1963) and Athi Nahappan (1970-1974).

Lawyers and legal experts say the A-G’s race and religion have no bearing on the post as his role as chief legal adviser to the government are clearly defined by law and in the constitution.

The A-G is also constitutionally barred from being involved in shariah proceedings, and as such has no jurisdiction over the Islamic courts. – August 15, 2018.

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Comments

  • What a stupid survey? The respondents are not very clear with the Constitution , so how can you expect them to give a proper answers? The survey should be based on Malaysians and not only Malay, Chinese or Indians.

    Posted 5 years ago by Zi Lun Loh · Reply

  • Are they happy with that disgraced Apa_pandi?

    Posted 5 years ago by Chee yee ng · Reply

  • Typically a racial based survey......idiots

    Posted 5 years ago by Hemanth Kumar Arumugam · Reply

  • The survey could be flawed. We don't know what exactly was asked and how it was phrased.

    Posted 5 years ago by K Pop · Reply

  • Why have this crazy survey? Serves no purpose except trying to divide Malaysians.

    Posted 5 years ago by Jordan Lee · Reply

  • A survey to sell news,creat controversies and remain relevant.

    Waste of time.

    Posted 5 years ago by Ali Khan · Reply

  • Tommy, do what is right, for the country and its people. That's what we expect, no more no less

    Posted 5 years ago by Malaysians' Malaysia · Reply

  • There is no necessity and value in such Surveys because it will obviously show biased results. We already know that.
    What is important to note is TT was appointed for his integrity in conducting the due processes under the rule of law to bring justice to the nation and people. That is most important. And if people cant understand this virtue, then sadly our nation, apart from being illiterate, wIll be doomed!!

    Posted 5 years ago by Thiruchelvam Thirunavukarasu · Reply

  • Tommy Thomas is One of the Best AG ever Malaysia has Fluent in english n other languages as well Malaysia previously had malay AG All malaysians know how badly the malay AG s were CORRUPTED Let Malaysians be Malaysians witness a lliterate AG disposing his duties with JUSTICE SEEN TO BE DONE

    Posted 5 years ago by Tharan Singh · Reply

  • BERSIH CEKAP AMANAH (AG)

    Posted 5 years ago by Tharan Singh · Reply

  • Doesn't the A-G correctly translate into "Ketua Peguam Negara"? He is Malaysia's chief law officer, whose duties span the whole nation, according to our Federal Constitution so no one is left out under his watch. He should be left alone to do his work, like one of our previous A-G, Dato Athi Nahappan (a Malaysian Indian in the 1970s), for e.g...

    Posted 5 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

  • If race is left out of the decision making process, it should be clear that Tommy Thomas is infinitely better than Apandi Ali who was clearly the most incompetent AG of Malaysia and the laughing stock of the world.

    Posted 5 years ago by Lim Chee Keong · Reply

  • I dont any issue for AG being non malay/ muslim..as long as he/ xhe can perform, for me AG selection should be based on ability or merit...

    Posted 5 years ago by Sweesing lee · Reply