Nazri's statement an insult to the Malays, says lawyers' group

Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz. -filepic

PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional secretary-general Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz's statement that "it is a Malay sentiment that a non-Malay should not be Attorney General" is an insult to the Malays, says Lawyers for Liberty.

Lawyers for Liberty Executive Director Latheefa Koya said that Nazri's claim is divisive, racist and an outrageous insult to all Malays in the country.

"While claiming to be Malay champions, Nazri and Umno are in fact slandering the Malays by portraying them as intolerant and racist. It is a cheap and dangerous way to score political points in the run-up to the Semenyih by-election.

"Article 145 which lays down the criteria for appointment as AG does not make race a criteria. Pursuant to article 145(1) any person who is qualified to be a federal court judge is eligible to be appointed as AG.

"Is Nazri Aziz trying to re-write the Constitution by adding a race requirement?" asked Latheefa.

She was commenting on Nazri's speech in Beranang, Semenyih on Saturday where he said that non-Malays should not question Malay privileges as the former also enjoys special privileges such as vernacular schools.

In his speech, Nazri also questioned the appointment of non-Malays as Attorney General, Chief Justice and Finance Minister and said that Malay rights should be defended at all costs.

Nazri further claimed that a non-Malay AG would not be able to take an oath of office on the Quran before the King.

He later explained that a non-Malay AG may be biased against Malays.

"This reveals remarkable ignorance on the part of a person who has held Cabinet position for decades.

"Nazri seems blissfully unaware that under the constitution, there is no requirement of an oath of office for the AG. In other words, the AG does not take an oath of office, unlike MPs or Ministers.

"As a qualified lawyer, it is astonishing that Nazri plays fast and loose with the Constitution, which is the founding document of our nation.

"His prejudiced and racial remarks are typical of the language we have come to expect from Umno," said Latheefa.