Support pours in for Thomas as AG (Updated)

PETALING JAYA: There is growing support across the political spectrum and the public for Tommy Thomas to be appointed as the new attorney-general (AG).
Sepang MP Hanipa Maidin said the nation should move beyond race in appointing the AG.
He said there is no legal or constitutional provision for the AG to be Malay or a Muslim.
"From the online debates, it appears that there are once again attempts to play up issues of race and religion.
"To be honest, I am truly sick and tired of such racial issues," the lawyer said in a statement today.
Hanipa also had some barbs for those demanding that the AG must be a Malay-Muslim, pointing out that the previous AG, Tan Sri Apandi Ali, who was appointed by Barisan Nasional (BN), was a Malay-Muslim but was ineffective.
"Wasn't the previous AG who was appointed by BN a Malay-Muslim? But see the destruction that he has done to the reputation and name of the Attorney-General's Chambers," he said.
The Malaysian Insight reported that Pakatan Harapan (PH) had written to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong asking for the removal of Apandi, to be replaced by Thomas, the unanimous choice among the PH component parties.
Amanah, Bersatu, DAP and PKR felt that the appointment of a respected legal name would send the right signal to Malaysians and the rest of the world that the new government was serious about reforming the country's institutions.
Also, the appointment would ensure the presence of a skilled litigator in the chambers to handle all high-profile cases, including the prosecution of those involved in the 1MDB scandal.
The Malaysian Insight also understands that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and other Malay rulers want the AG to be a Malay-Muslim.
Former Minister Tan Seri Rais Yatim said on Twitter: "Follow Art 145 of the Federal Constitution. The King, with very limited exceptions, stands advised as per Art 40. Let the PM get on with the job with his Cabinet. There is nothing wrong with Tommy Thomas as AG. Stop this bickering when there is no legal ground to bicker."
Lawyer Syahredzan Johan said the only requirement is that the person must be qualified to be a Federal Court judge.
He said to qualify as a Federal Court judge, a person must be a Malaysian who has served as a lawyer or a member of the judicial and legal service, or both, for at least a decade, according to Article 123 of the Federal Constitution.
Blogger Datuk Kadir Jasin said the federal constitution puts clear limits on the authority of a constitutional monarch.
"What's the use of having Malays in high positions if that Malay is cruel, corrupt, and someone who collaborates with thieves and speculators?" he said, adding that integrity was more important than race.
"The choice of the government of the day should be respected. The Royals should be above politics," Anizam Ahmed wrote on Facebook.
"The best man for the job! Rulers must follow the advice of duly elected prime minister. There should be no interference by the rulers," Terence Yeoh said.