'Gov’t trying to create liberal state in naming Thomas for AG'

The government should have been more “sensitive” before mooting veteran lawyer Tommy Thomas as its pick for the new attorney-general, said Federal Territories Umno Youth chief Razlan Rafii.

In a statement today, Razlan claimed that the proposed appointment forces the Yang di-Pertuan Agong into a corner, and accused the government of wanting to create a “liberal state.”

“Although many who support the current government’s policies are liberals, they (the government) still have to be fair to the Agong because Malaysia is still tied to the Federal Constitution.

“Thomas is known for defending Chin Peng, a communist he defended in his book as a freedom fighter,” he said.

Razlan was referring to Thomas’ 2016 collection of essays "Anything but the Law", which describes the Communist Party of Malaya leader as contributing towards Malaya’s Independence.

“There are many more reasons why Thomas should not be considered for AG, but nevertheless the government is taking that risk just to fan polemics to create a liberal state.

“I advise the government to hold onto the national principle of constitutional monarchy, and choose a fair and just AG to advise the government – not someone whose grasp of the constitution may bring dire consequences in the case of any issue of religious conflict.”

Yesterday, a source revealed to Malaysiakini that Thomas was the government’s sole pick to replace Mohamed Apandi Ali, who was forced to go on garden leave. 

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today confirmed that the government will not submit any other names for the post. 

The choice of a non-Muslim as attorney-general, however, reportedly prompted the Conference of Rulers to push for a Muslim candidate.

Sepang MP Hanipa Maidin, however, pointed outtoday that there is no provision in the Federal Constitution for the AG to be Malay or Muslim. 

Thomas’ proposed appointment also potentially runs afoul of Pakatan Harapan’s promise in its own election manifesto, which states that the AG will be selected from among “qualified MPs.”  -Mkini