Apandi congratulates Tommy Thomas on his appointment as AG

PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali has congratulated Tommy Thomas over his appointment as the new Attorney-General (AG).

"Congratulations to Tommy (Thomas) and all the best to him in discharging his new duties as the AG," his immediate predecessor said in a text message to The Star.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Muhammad V, has consented to the appointment of Thomas as the new AG.

In a statement, the Comptroller of the Royal Household Datuk Wan Ahmad Dahlan Ab Aziz said the King, on the advice of the Prime Minister, has given the approval to the appointment of Thomas as the AG according to Article 145 (1) of the Federal Constitution.

The King, said Wan Ahmad, has also called on Malaysians to accept the appointment of the AG, adding it should not create conflict as every Malaysian should be treated fairly regardless of their race or religion.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, on May 14, announced that Apandi was told to go on leave and would be temporarily replaced by Solicitor-General Datuk Engku Nor Faizah Engku Atek.

The proposal to appoint Thomas as AG had sparked a disagreement with the King, but Dr Mahathir was adamant and submitted only Thomas' name to the King.

However, the King insisted on more than one name, according to sources close to the royalty.