KUALA LUMPUR: Sultan Muhammad V came up with the names of several candidates, including that of a non-Muslim, for the Attorney General’s post.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who met with the sultans and finally the King over the matter, revealed that Sultan Muhammad V told him he had considered other candidates who were “equally or more competent” than the one suggested by the Pakatan Harapan government, including one who was a former senior judge, a non-Muslim.

This is contrary to earlier perceptions against the candidacy of Tommy Thomas that the reason behind the senior lawyer’s rejection was largely along racial and religious lines.

“I can have strong views by anyone but (only if) you have compelling evidence to support your case. But in this case, it is the contrary,” the PKR leader said.

Shortly after the meeting with Anwar, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong then consented to Thomas’ nomination.

On June 5, The Star, quoting sources, reported that some of the names which the Rulers were looking at were serving Federal Court judge Tan Sri Azahar Mohamed, Court of Appeal judge and former Solicitor General Tan Sri Idrus Harun, Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Ahmad Maarop and even other senior lawyers.

Anwar said he presented the Government’s case to the King, adding that the Rulers’ concerns should be appreciated by all Malaysians.

The Rulers, he pointed out, were relatively secluded from the public and could not respond openly to some of the people’s concerns.

Anwar said the Rulers, already wary of having to deal with a new government, were pleased when he told them of its commitment to uphold the Constitutional monarchy.

“They were not certain (of our commitment) ... I said (to them, it is) to the contrary.”

Anwar said the Rulers asked whether the new Government would retain Islam as the religion of the federation, propagate Islamic values and whether Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) would be shut down.

“I assured them that the new Government had a role in ensuring that some institutions, including Jakim, be revamped to be more effective, to be depoliticised and avoid it being perceived as draconian or intolerant,” Anwar said.

He said he had the advantage and opportunity of listening directly to the King over the AG matter, adding that Sultan Muhammad V told him that the Prime Minister had the right to choose the candidate as the Constitution was clear on that.

“It was he who told me that. I did not need to remind him of that. He said ‘yes, I know, the most I can do is defer (the consent) till I get an explanation’,” Anwar said.

The palace, he said, wanted an explanation that the Government accepted the role of the Constitutional monarchy.

“To me, this is not difficult, and it is illogical if some people feel otherwise.

“But that is the impression because there had been no direct explanation,” said Anwar.

“I said it was in the manifesto, in the agreement. They (the Rulers) said that’s true but its not clearly presented.”

He added that in some cases, he had sought an audience (with a Ruler) while over others, he was summoned.