Analyst: Anwar the big winner in AG saga
An analyst says Anwar Ibrahim has firmed up his credibility as a Malay leader with his success in getting royal assent for Tommy Thomas’ appointment.
(FMT) – A political analyst sees Anwar Ibrahim’s credibility as a Malay leader strengthened by his success in securing royal approval for the appointment of Tommy Thomas as the new attorney-general.
Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya told FMT he found it extraordinary that the PKR leader, with no official position in the government, had to be the person to convince the Malay Rulers that Malay rights and Islam’s position would be protected by an attorney-general who is neither Malay nor Muslim.
“The episode highlights not only the seriousness of the royals’ concern over Malay rights and the position of Islam, but also Anwar’s ability to reassure them to the point that the Conference of Rulers’ meeting on the matter became unnecessary,” he said.
“This strengthens his image as a champion of Malays and Bumiputeras.
“In a way, Anwar has emerged as the biggest winner because he appears as a hero, especially to the Malay conservatives, by presenting himself as a political assurance to the rulers.”
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s consent for Thomas’ appointment was announced yesterday. Anwar has since made a public statement to assure the Malays and Bumiputeras that Pakatan Harapan (PH) will protect their rights.
Azman said the statement as well as the royal consent would increase the Malays’ confidence in PH.
“However,” he added, “if this appointment of the AG doesn’t work out for some reason, Anwar may receive some backlash.”
He said Thomas must now show in words and deeds that he would protect the interests and rights of Malays as prescribed in the Federal Constitution.
“He must be convincing in his actions and media statements in this matter. Support for PH may be affected if he is seen as being insensitive to Malay rights and the Bumi agenda.”
Azman also said he believed the Malays would understand Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s decision to stand firm on the government’s choice of Thomas and to let Anwar meet the royals rather than face them himself.
If Mahathir had gone to see the rulers over the issue, there might have been the perception that the country was facing a major constitutional crisis, he added.
Azman also spoke of opposition to Thomas’ appointment from those who saw a conflict of interest, given that he once served as counsel for Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, who is facing a graft trial. Such people might vote against PH in coming elections, he said.
