Harapan possibly straying from manifesto in naming Thomas as AG

The Pakatan Harapan government could be deviating from its pre-election manifesto yet again by naming veteran lawyer Tommy Thomas as its choice for attorney-general.

Promise 15 of its manifesto reads, "The attorney general shall be appointed from amongst the qualified MPs, and he would become a minister who can continue the role as chief legal advisor to the government."

Thomas, whom government sources say is Harapan's sole and unanimous nominee for the job, is not an MP.

However, Thomas could be suited for a separate position also outlined in Promise 15.

"The position of public prosecutor will be held by another independent individual who can act without partisan interest.

"The person will lead Malaysia’s Public Prosecutor Office, enjoying autonomy to exercise his prosecutorial powers," the manifesto reads.

At present, the AG also acts as the public prosecutor, and Promise 15 seeks to separate the two positions.

If Harapan is insistent on Thomas as its pick for AG without deviating too much from its manifesto, it could also technically appoint him to the upper house of Parliament by naming him a senator. 

His nomination as AG was made over a week ago, but has not yet been approved by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

A barrister of more than 40 years, Thomas has appeared in landmark cases in various branches of the law in all the courts of Malaysia, including the Privy Council in London, which was Malaysia’s highest court until 1985.

He is widely regarded as one of Malaysia’s leading litigation lawyers both at home and abroad, according to his website profile.

Strike two?

Previously, Harapan was on the verge of going back on its manifesto when Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he would be taking up the post of education minister.

Harapan leaders had reportedly overlooked a provision in their manifesto that promises the prime minister would not hold any portfolios.

Mahathir relented, and subsequently appointed Simpang Renggam MP Maszlee Malik as the education minister. - Mkini