A need to understand constitutional monarchy
PETALING JAYA: The appointment of Tommy Thomas as Attorney General shows the need for a better understanding of the role of parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy in the country.
Pakatan Harapan secretariat chief Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said this was highlighted during the so-called stalemate over the selection of the AG.
“I was informed that there were several people working behind closed doors to try and solve this problem, but the discussion in public showed that many do not really understand the meaning of our parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy,” said Saifuddin.
He added that Thomas’ appointment was a step forward towards a “new Malaysia” which puts greater emphasis on democracy, multiracialism and moderation.
Lawyers for Liberty executive director Eric Paulsen said Thomas was highly regarded by both friends and foes in the legal field.
“More importantly, he has the integrity and honesty to uphold the rightful role of the AG, to act fairly and independently in the new Malaysia,” he said.
Former law minister Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim said he had always cherished the immediate post-Merdeka environment, where all segments of the civil service were well patronised by the major races in the country.
“I hope Tommy proves his capability and tenacity soon enough.
“Let’s see how effective he is with the 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Bhd) debacle,” said Dr Rais, who left Umno to join Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia.
Parti Amanah Negara vice-president Datuk Mujahid Yusof said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s consent to the selection of Thomas was a victory for more mature politics, which Pakatan is fighting for.
“We trust the Pakatan Harapan government’s proposal (to appoint Thomas) since it abides by the law and we trust that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will act according to the law,” he added.
MCA praised the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for his wisdom and foresight in putting an end to the so-called stalemate on the selection of the AG.
In a statement, MCA publicity spokesman Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker said the King displayed a strong resolve to safeguard the tenets of the Constitution.
“His Majesty displayed inner steel in safeguarding the tenets of the Federal Constitution, despite pressure from ultras who insisted that the AG must be of a certain race and religion, despite no provisions in the Federal Constitution enshrining thus,” said Ti.
Bar Council president George Varughese said Thomas is the first practising lawyer to be appointed directly from the council to the post.
“The council is confident that Thomas will remain true to the principles of the council,” he said.
Former Umno Youth exco member Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz, however, said the appointment of Thomas was worrying.
“Pakatan has not yet been in power for 100 days, but there are already many voices from the socialists, liberals and secularists who want to question the special position accorded to the Malays, Islam and related institutions.
“The appointment of Thomas is seen as the first step by the Pakatan government to give in to the pressure by these groups,” he said.
His statement echoed those made by other groups and individuals in recent days, who objected to Thomas’ nomination as AG because he is not a Malay-Muslim.