The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH 2.0) welcomes the appointment of Tommy Thomas by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the new Attorney General (AG) in accordance with the Federal Constitution, effectively replacing Tan Sri Appandi Ali who had been compelled to go on unrecorded leave on 15 May 2018.

All Malaysians should be proud of this appointment as it reaffirms the Federal Constitution as the supreme law of the land and the spirit of democracy, the rule of law and constitutional monarchy being upheld by all state institutions.

The appointment of Tommy Thomas who is a long established defender of social justice, is in line with the Pakatan Harapan (PH)’s pledges regarding the reform of democratic institutions and the restoration of the rule of law in order to defend and advance Malaysian democracy and democratic processes.

His appointment as AG despite objections on the basis of his ethnicity is indicative of the ‘new Malaysia’ where Malaysians reject divisive racial and religious politics in the pursuit of effective and efficient governance. BERSIH rallies in the past and the more the recent 14th General Elections have shown Malaysians of different backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures coming together to pave the way for a new future for all Malaysians despite years of distrust and unequal racial relations encouraged by the State for political interests.

BERSIH 2.0 believes the appointment of Tommy Thomas will restore public confidence in the Attorney General Chambers (AGC) as an independent and credible state institution in implementing its mandate and duty.

BERSIH 2.0 urges the AG to 1) review political persecution cases with immediate urgency, and 2) to investigate and prosecute all the corruption and abuse of powers under the previous administration, especially the 1MDB and related murder cases; 3) to take the lead in the matter of institutional reform as many of the reforms will require amendments to the Federal Constitution and existing laws.

BERSIH 2.0 once again congratulates the Attorney General on his appointment and reminds the AG of his key role in this ‘new Malaysia’ – to uphold the constitution, the rights and interests of the people and the nation.

Issued by:
BERSIH 2.0 Steering Committee