Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today confirmed that the government will not submit any other names for the attorney-general's post, amid a reported resistance from the palace towards veteran lawyer Tommy Thomas as its sole candidate.
The government's decision to name Thomas as the new attorney-general has been done according to the law, he added.
"Under the Federal Constitution, the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong has to act (to appoint the AG) on the advice of the prime minister.
"So we are holding to that principle," Mahathir told a press conference.
Asked on concerns over Thomas' perceived close links with Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, Mahathir said: "He has been a lawyer for everybody. Lawyers take cases that gives them some income."
Earlier, the prime minister said efforts are being made to resolve the problem and it would not be beneficial for him to comment further on the matter.
Sources close to the government told Malaysiakini that Thomas was a unanimous pick, and his name was submitted to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong about a week ago.
However, the choice of a non-Muslim as attorney-general has reportedly prompted the Conference of Rulers to hit the pause button and push for a Muslim candidate.
Since earlier today, news of Thomas' candidacy has received open support from Harapan leaders and even some of its critics.
Malay rulers to meet on Tuesday
Malay-daily Utusan Malaysia meanwhile reported that the Malay rulers would convene a meeting on Tuesday in order to discuss the issue.
Keeper of the Rulers' Seal Syed Danial Syed Ahmad in a statement said an invitation was sent out on Friday to attend the special meeting at the Istana Negara.
"At this moment, Putrajaya and the palace have yet to reach an agreement on the termination of service for the current attorney-general and his replacement.
"The Malay rulers are following the development of the issue and felt that they have a duty to help unravel the tangled situation," he said. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.