Amanah appalled PAS making AG appointment a racial issue

PETALING JAYA: While PAS is against Tommy Thomas as candidate for the Attorney General (AG) post, its offshoot Parti Amanah Negara is “disgusted and tired” that the candidacy is being turned into a racial issue.

PAS information chief Nasrudin Hassan has come out insisting that the AG must be a person capable of protecting Islam.

“Islam is the religion of the federation. The appointment of the AG must be based on that,” Nasrudin said in a statement yesterday.

Amanah legal bureau chief Hanipa Maidin said: “Frankly, I am really disgusted and tired with such racial issues.

“With respect, I feel we should all act honestly,” he said in a letter to an online portal.

Nasrudin also stressed that the appointment of the AG must reflect the needs of the majority in the country, who are Muslims.

“It will be awkward if the newly appointed AG cannot carry such responsibility effectively. The sensitivity of Muslims must be protected,” Nasrudin said, adding that the King wants an AG who can advise him on syariah matters.

Hanipa noted there are no legal provisions in the Constitution that make it compulsory for the AG to be a Malay or Muslim.

He said there is no room for narrow politics in the new Malaysia which Pakatan is trying to build.

Umno is also objecting to the appointment on grounds Thomas did not appear to be Islam-friendly.

Umno information chief Tan Sri Annuar Musa said Thomas’ attitude was reflected in his books.

He also described Malaysian communist leader Chin Peng as a “great liberation fighter”.

“Based on his leanings, how can he correctly advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Cabinet and ministers on matters related to Islamic laws without any conflict of interest?” Annuar questioned.

He also took a swipe at Pakatan Harapan for claiming that their decision to appoint Thomas was unanimous.

“Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad would not have chosen Thomas because he was one of the Prime Minister’s greatest critics,” he said.

Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman stressed that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has the final say on the appointment of the AG.

“The AG shouldn’t be the Prime Minister’s henchman,” he told reporters at a press conference at PWTC.