The race, religion of government appointees is "irrelevant," says Bar

The racial background and religious background of recent appointments to four senior positions in the government are irrelevant, according to the Malaysian Bar Association.

In a statement, the Vice President of the Bar Association, Abdul Fareed Abdul Gafoor, stressed that what matters is only if their appointments are legal and if they are able to perform their duties

. the appointments of Tommy Thomas as Attorney General, Richard Malanjum as Chief Justice, Liew Vui Keong as de facto Minister, and Lim Guan Eng as Minister of Finance.

Critics have alleged that the appointments have sidelined Malay-Muslims. 1965- Nasrudin Hassan, for example, claimed last week that Pakatan Harapan's choices for the Attorney General, the Chief Justice and the de facto law minister were provoking " agitation ( ] keresahan ) "among the Muslims.

"The four appointments were made in accordance with the Federal Constitution, and the racial identities and religious backgrounds of these four people are therefore totally irrelevant."

"The desirability of appointments should be based solely on the fact that they are in accordance with the Federal Constitution and the laws of the nation, and on merit – including integrity, the capabilities and competence of individuals – as well as their commitment to respect the federal Constitution and to uphold the rule of law.

"The breadth and depth of their experience in the relevant fields speak of". themselves, "he said.

Fareed also welcomed the call of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V yesterday for unity and harmony Malaysians to preserve and strengthen [19659002] Agong delivered his speech at the official opening of the 14th legislature

"The Malaysian Bar Association believes that the multiculturalism of our nation and respect for the diversity of our peoples are our strength.

"Malaysians from all walks of life and all identities must rise above extremist thinking and remarks that divide Malaysians and polarize our society"

"All Malaysians must unite forces for just nation, "he said.