I was negotiating with Agong on behalf of Dr Mahathir, says Anwar


(TMI) – ANWAR Ibrahim was acting on Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s orders when he met with the Malay rulers to reassure them about the Pakatan Harapan government’s wish to preserve the special position of Islam and Malays.

The de facto PKR leader said he had met with the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong on Monday night to resolve the differences in opinion over the appointment of the attorney-general.

“The rulers had expressed concern over the special position of the Malays and position of Islam.

“I asked Dr Mahathir if he wanted me to help out. I would represent the choice of the PH government. This will go down in history as an unhealthy tussle.

“I am a part of PH. That was why I explained to them (the rulers). I gave them the assurance that the position of Islam and the Malay rights will remain,” he said at a ceramah in Malacca yesterday night.

The former deputy prime minister dismissed rumours he was using the Malay rulers to oppose Dr Mahathir.

“There has been criticisms that I am using the Malay rulers to snatch power from Dr Mahathir. This is stupid”

Anwar once again stressed he was not against Dr Mahathir and he would be PM when the 93-year old handed over the reins in due time.

“Once Dr Mahathir is done with his mega programme for Malaysians – that is when I will take over as PM,” he said to applause from the crowd.

After three weeks of uncertainty, the King announced via a statement in the early hours of yesterday morning that he had consented to the appointment of Tommy Thomas, the government’s choice’ of attorney-general.

“The Yang di-Pertuan Agong also called on all Malaysians to accept that the appointment of the attorney-general should not create religious or racial conflict as every Malaysian should be treated fairly regardless of race and religion,” read the statement issued by the comptroller of the royal household, Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz.

The constitution states that the king appoints the attorney-general on the advice of the prime minister.

Although the constitution does not stipulate the race and religion of the attorney-general, the Palace had initially objected to Thomas, the sole candidate proposed by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, as the practising lawyer was non-Malay and non-Muslim,

Attorney-General Mohamed Apandi Ali had been on leave since May 15, and his duties temporarily taken over by Solicitor-General Engku Nor Faizah Engku Atek.

Apandi became attorney-general in July 2015, abruptly replacing Abdul Gani Patail, who had been leading a team investigating scandal-ridden state investor 1Malaysia Development Bhd.

Thomas’ appointment is part of the new governments efforts to get to the bottom of the 1MDB scandal and bring the culprits to book.

 



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