Amanah legal head is 'really disgusted and tired' with AG made into racial issue

Tommy Thomas, the candidate proposed for Attorney-General (AG), not only has in-depth legal knowledge, "but more importantly, he is a senior lawyer with the utmost integrity, that is crucial for being an AG," said Hanipa Maidin (pic), who chairs the Legal Bureau of Parti Amanah Negara.

In a letter to Malaysiakini, he said that honestly, he fully supports the proposed candidate, "without any doubt".

Hanipa recalled his experience with Thomas while handling a contempt of court case filed by Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) against a lady lawyer called Puan Fahdah and the writer/activist Ahmad Lutfi Othman.

Thomas was representing Fahdah and Hanipa was acting for Ahmad Lutfi. They won the case.

"I saw a lawyer who was fantastic (amat hebat) and highly credible (berwibawa)," recounted Hanipa, who is also the MP for Sepang.

However, he is disappointed with the online debate where issues of race and religion are being brought forward in the appointment of the new AG.

"Terus terang, saya betul-betul muak dan bosan dengan isu perkauman tersebut. (Frankly, I am really disgusted and tired with such racial issues).

"With respect, I feel we should all act honestly. Firstly, there is no provision in the laws nor in the Federal Constitution that make it compulsory for the AG to be a Malay/Muslim."

He added that the lofty spirit of the Constitution as the country's social contract should be "respected and protected".

In addition, Hanipa said we should look at recent history.

"Wasn't the previous AG - who was chosen by the Barisan Nasional regime - a Malay/Muslim? But look at the damage he did to the reputation and good name of the AG institution."

"Similarly, look at who damaged the national financial system with all kinds of mega scandals.

"Why did the AG, who is a Malay/Muslim, protect those who were implicated (terpalit) with those mega scandals, who were also Malay/Muslim?

"Lihatlah juga bagaimana wujudnya para agamawan yang tidak segan silu selalu bertindak memberi "nyawa" kepada pihak yang telah rosakkan negara ini. Tolonglah janganlah tutup mata kita."

(Look also at how there are religious people who shamelessly always give 'life' to those who have damaged this country. Please, don't close our eyes to this.)

"So, I want to remind everyone that this Malaysia is a country for all, not for (a particular) race, ethnic group or religion. Full stop."

"We all have a role and responsibility to bring up a new Malaysia. Narrow racial politics - sorry - that has become history!"