Muhyiddin: Impasse on AG appointment will be resolved soon (Updated)

KUALA LUMPUR: Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin does not foresee the impasse between the government and the palace over the appointment of the Attorney-General (AG) dragging on longer.
While acknowledging there were some issues in getting constitutional lawyer Tommy Thomas named as the AG, Muhyiddin said he believed the "standoff" would be resolved soon through the wisdom of both quarters.
"If we can address this issue based on the consideration and wisdom of both parties in accordance to the constitution, I don't think it will be a prolonged crisis that can't be resolved.
"We hope it will be settled sooner rather than later. There are some problems, yes. But the Pakatan Harapan leadership wants to cooperate with any quarters in order to be able to solve the issue," he told a press conference after an official visit to the police headquarters, here, today.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had submitted Thomas' name to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V over a week ago, but has yet to get any official answer from the palace.
It is believed the King was not in favour of appointing Thomas, who had previously voiced support for a secular state as well as representing Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng in his corruption cases.
The Conference of Rulers is expected to meet at Istana Negara tomorrow, to deliberate on the appointment of the new AG as well as the termination of service of current AG Tan Sri Apandi Ali.
Meanwhile, Muhyiddin said the remaining cabinet members were expected to be named by Mahathir by this week, almost a month after PH formed the federal government, urging all quarters for patience.
“We give our full trust to the prime minister to name the ministers. I was told it will be resolved by this week. Not sure which day, but just wait a bit,” he said.
Mahathir has so far named 13 Cabinet members, not including the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister posts, with at least another 12 more ministers to be announced.
On the status of controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik, who was granted Permanent Resident status by the previous administration, Muhyiddin said he would be subjected to the country’s law as per any other individuals.
“He must abide by our law. If he go against the law, whether on the issue of religion or crime, he will not be spared. We will deal with it in a proper manner,” he said when asked on his stance on Zakir as the new Home Minister.>