Dr M on Tommy Thomas impasse: We are holding on to our principles
Sunday, 3 Jun 20187:10 PM MYT
PETALING JAYA: Tommy Thomas' support for a secular state is not amongst the reasons why his candidacy for Attorney General was rejected by the King, said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir.
Several other reasons for the impasse have been touted, amongst them allegations that since Thomas has represented Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng in his corruption cases, he would not be an impartial AG.
"Lim Guan Eng is in the government and Finance Minister, there is no reason for Thomas to be Lim's friend," Dr Mahathir told the press after a state Pakatan Harapan meeting in Kedah on Sunday (June 3).
He said Thomas was Lim's lawyer, but said at the same time Thomas has also represented Barisan Nasional leaders.
On whether Putrajaya will propose a new candidate if the King rejects Thomas' candidacy, Dr Mahathir said they will follow the law.
"We do matters according to the laws and the Federal Constitution, but the King is acting on advice of the government," he said.
"We are holding on to our principles," he added.
Article 145 (1) of the Federal Constitution states that "The Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall, on the advice of the Prime Minister, appoint a person who is qualified to be a judge of the Federal Court to be the Attorney-General for the Federation".
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/06/03/dr-m-on-tommy-thomas-impasse-we-are-holding-on-to-our-principles/#UbmJcBmhB1ijFL1G.99
Malay Rulers to meet on Tuesday to discuss Attorney-General appointment
Sunday, 3 Jun 20186:30 PM MYT
PETALING JAYA: The Malay Rulers will deliberate on the appointment of the new Attorney General on Tuesday (June 5).
"By Royal Command, letters of invitation to their Royal Highnesses have been issued by the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal on June 1 to deliberate on this matter at Istana Negara on June 5," said Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad.
Syed Danial said Putrajaya and Istana Negara have not agreed on the termination of the service of the current Attorney General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali.
Syed Danial also said they have yet to agree on the candidate for Apandi's replacement.
"The Malay Rulers have been following this development and consider it their responsibility to help resolve this impasse," he said in a statement issued to The Star.
He highlighted Article 145 (1) and Article 145 (5) of the Federal Constitution stating the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's responsibility in the appointment of the Attorney-General.
Article 145 (1) states that "The Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall, on the advice of the Prime Minister, appoint a person who is qualified to be a judge of the Federal Court to be the Attorney-General for the Federation".
Article 145 (5) states that "the Attorney-General shall hold office during the pleasure of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and may at any time resign his office and, unless he is a member of the Cabinet, shall receive such remuneration as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong may determine".
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/06/03/malay-rulers-to-meet-on-tuesday-to-discuss-attorney-general-appointment/#BZATxtSqxpL61kQJ.99
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