PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan, in a statement to FMT, said the appointment of Thomas was based solely on the principles laid down in the Federal Constitution.
“PAS would like to congratulate the AG and hopes he will act according to the Federal Constitution.
“We hope he will protect the law, be fair and just. He must also take into account the historical aspects, especially the rights of Muslims and related institutions,” he said in a statement.
Thomas replaces Mohamed Apandi Ali as the AG.
Takiyuddin said PAS would act as a responsible opposition and watchdog.
“We will act as a constructive opposition and play the role of being the check-and-balance on general matters that concern Muslims and non-Muslims alike.”
Thomas is no stranger to the PAS leadership as he was the lawyer for the PAS-led Terengganu state government when it filed in March 2001 a lawsuit against national oil giant Petronas and the federal government, for breach of contract over discontinued payments in cash for oil royalty to the state government.
He had also represented the PAS-led Kelantan state government in its lawsuit filed in August 2010 against Petronas over the latter’s alleged breach of contract to make cash payments for oil royalty.
Earlier today, Comptroller of the Royal Household Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz said Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V, on the advice of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, had given his consent to the appointment according to Article 145 (1) of the Federal Constitution.
“The Yang di-Pertuan Agong also calls on all Malaysians to accept the appointment of the attorney-general and it should not create religious or racial conflict as every Malaysian should be fairly treated, regardless of race or religion,” the statement had said.
Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, on May 14, had told Apandi to go on leave and he was temporarily replaced by Solicitor-General Engku Nor Faizah Engku Atek.
It was reported that Mahathir had submitted only Thomas’ name to the King.