Resistance from Muslim groups

[THE CENTER TO COMBAT CORRUPTION AND CRONYISM], C4 Report Launch & Forum on Corrupt Practices at ElectionsReport Launch: The Roles and Functions of the Election Commission and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission in Addressing Corrupt Practices at Elections & Public Forum: It’s Raining Dedak at Elections: Who is Watching?Speakers: Tommy Thomas (Constitutional Law Expert)Maria Chin Abdullah (Chairperson of Bersih 2.0)Sivarasa Rasiah (Human Rights Lawyer & Member of Parliament for Subang), at Shah’s Village(Lorong Sultan, Petaling Jaya). SYED AZAMUDDEN / THE STAR

PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Hara­pan’s proposal to have Tommy Thomas (pic) as the Attorney General (AG) has met with some resistance from Muslim interest groups.

Institute of Islamic Strategic Re­­search Malaysia (Iksim) chief execu­tive officer Prof Datuk Mahamad Naser Disa described the proposed appointment as unconstitutional.

“A non-Muslim would not be able to assist the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in preserving the sanctity of Islam at all times and therefore breaches Article 145(2) of the Federal Consti­tution which states that it is the duty of the AG to advise the King or Cabinet on any legal matter,” Mahamad Naser said in a statement yesterday.

He said the AG’s post should be held by a judge or senior lawyer who is well-versed in Islamic and royal matters, not just in principles of law and democracy.

He said Thomas’ appointment as the AG could also hamper the Government’s efforts to introduce new laws and policies that touch on Islamic matters.

“The people may be very alarmed if he becomes the new AG as he once represented Parti Komunis Malaya leader Chin Peng in calling for the government to allow his body to be buried in Sitiawan, Perak,” he added.

Mahamad Naser said a conflict of interest is also bound to happen should Thomas be the AG as he (Thomas) is representing Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng in his corruption cases.

“The power to proceed or throw away the case is at the discretion of the AG. Thomas’ credibility will be questioned should he side with his former client,” he said.

Malaysian Consultative Council of Islam Organisations president Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid said the post of AG was a crucial one usually held by a Muslim.

“We are of the view that there is no reason for the Government to change this status as the AG is important in overseeing the development of both civil and syariah laws in the country,” he added.

Mohd Azmi also noted that Tho­mas’ command of Bahasa Malaysia was lacking and that made him less qualified for the post.