Muhyiddin: AG controversy will be settled, amicably

KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is hopeful that the controversy involving the appointment of the new Attorney-General will not be prolonged.

The Home Minister said an amicable solution would be achieved based on the wisdom of the Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and the Palace.

"I don't think it will drag on.

"There is a problem but nothing that can't be overcome," he told a press conference after his working visit to Bukit Aman on Monday (June 4).

The Conference of Rulers that will convene Tuesday (June 5) might have a solution on the matter as well, added Muhyiddin.

"It will not be a long, drawn-out crisis," he said.

The Government has nominated lawyer Tommy Thomas for Attorney-General, but Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V reportedly has reservations about the choice because Thomas is not a Malay-Muslim.

However, Dr Mahathir said the Government is handling the matter based on the law and Federal Constitution, while the King acts on advice from the Government.

Constitutional experts said the Constitution allows for the appointment of a non-Muslim as Attorney-General on the advice of the Prime Minister, with the King having no say in it.