COMMENT | The Muslim Lawyers Association (PPMM) views with immense concern the suggestion, as reported in the local media today, that the Malaysian Bar is proposing Ambiga Sreenevasan as the next attorney-general.

If the reports, as carried in several media outlets are correct, we are of the opinion that suggesting the name of a particular individual for the post of AG is poor judgment on the part of the Malaysian Bar, and would set a bad precedent to be followed.

Even more so when the person named is the former president of the Malaysian Bar.

We also believe that Bar Council members were not consulted when the president issued the statement.

The unilateral announcement by the president is uncalled for, and should not restrict the options of the prime minister in advising the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to appoint the AG pursuant to Article 145(1) of the Federal Constitution.

Article 145(1) of the Federal Constitution states that the Agong shall, on the advice of the prime minister, appoint a person who is qualified to be a judge of the Federal Court to be the AG for the Federation.

Is the Malaysian Bar attempting to name its own person to be the AG? This may give the impression that the AG will be beholden to the views of the Malaysian Bar. Furthermore, it would be against the principles of neutrality and impartiality which the Bar advocates.

Inasmuch as we respect the vast credentials of Ambiga, we believe that the Bar is sending the wrong signals to the public by proposing her as the AG, which we strongly oppose.

The Bar has no locus to name any individual as the next AG. It would be more acceptable if the Bar suggests criteria to be met by the person to be appointed as the AG, without mentioning names.

As far as PPMM is concerned, no professional body or individual should make any stand in proposing names for AG.

Let the choice be made by the prime minister, who will then advise the Agong in accordance with the provisions stipulated in the Federal Constitution.

ZAINUL RIJAL ABU BAKAR is president of the Muslim Lawyers Association.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.