PETALING JAYA: Attorney General Tommy Thomas got a hearty round of applause when he gave a speech in Bahasa Malaysia, in a video that is fast going viral online.
The AG had previously been criticised for not being able to speak Bahasa Malaysia properly, but his prepared speech seems to have won over the crowd, which is believed to be from the Judicial and Legal Service Officers Association (Jalsoa).
During his speech, as seen in the video uploaded yesterday, Thomas thanked the Jalsoa executive committee for organising the function, as well as members who had lent their support and contributed to the activities held by the association.
He stated his belief that occasions such as the Jalsoa Hari Raya function are “the best platform” for officers from the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) and the Federal Court chief registrar’s office to mingle and get to know each other.
“I hope the close bond between the officers can be further strengthened, as such solidarity would benefit us all,” said Thomas.
He also took the opportunity to announce the allocation of a permanent secretariat office for Jalsoa at the AGC building.
It is believed he delivered the speech at the AGC building in Putrajaya as part of Hari Raya celebrations.
On July 4, Thomas led the prosecution team when former premier Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was charged in court. He had asked the court for permission to proceed in English, instead of Bahasa Malaysia, the national language.
Later, a planned press conference by Thomas had to be cancelled when the crowd turned rowdy.
They chanted “Bahasa Malaysia” when Thomas spoke in English, and shouted “Melayu” and “Hidup Melayu” to drown out his voice until he had to be escorted away.
On that same day, a Malaysian also initiated an online petition urging the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to sack Thomas for his weak command of Bahasa Malaysia.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
