Pick AG based on merit, urge Malaysians

PETALING JAYA: When it comes to choosing the right person for the job of Attorney General, competency and integrity are the qualities that matter most to the public, not the candidate’s race or religion.

The Star on its front page yesterday reported that a proposal by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to appoint constitutional law expert Tommy Thomas as the AG has sparked a major disagreement with the King.

On Facebook, Rodney Toh said Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy and the King must follow the Constitution.

“The Constitution says the Agong shall, based on the advice of the PM, appoint the AG. PM has advised. Now Agong should appoint,” he added.

Natasha Jt said the rakyat are urging the King to give his fullest cooperation to the elected government without further delay.

Netizens also responded to a recent statement by Parti Amanah Negara legal head Hanipa Maidin, who supported Tommy and said he was “disgusted and tired” over the AG appointment being made a racial issue.

Ray James Scully voiced his respect and agreement with Hanipa.

“An AG must be independent and does not matter which race. There are bodies which can advise on Islamic issues,” he said.

As it is a new Malaysia, said Ka­­marulzaman Kamaruddin, “let us move on with no more racial and religious issues undermining this country”.

Suran Thran pointed out that in this case, it is a Malay lawyer insisting on the appointment of an Indian lawyer for the top post.

“This is the mentality of Malay­sians under the new government. Well done sir. Spoken as a true Malaysian,” he added.

There are those who disagree, like Zam Ree who urged Malaysians to “let our Ruler choose” the right candidate for the new AG post.

Currently, two petitions have been launched – one to object the Government’s choice of Thomas as AG and the other in support of him.