The racial identities and religious backgrounds of recent appointees to four top positions in the government are irrelevant, says the Malaysian Bar. 

In a statement, Bar vice-president Abdul Fareed Abdul Gafoor stressed that what matters is only whether their appointments were lawful, and whether they are able to carry out their duties.

Fareed said this in response to the backlash against the appointments of Tommy Thomas as attorney-general, Richard Malanjum as chief justice, Liew Vui Keong as de facto law minister, and Lim Guan Eng as finance minister.

Critics have alleged that the appointments have sidelined the Malay-Muslims.

PAS' Nasrudin Hassan, for instance, claimed last week that Pakatan Harapan's picks for the attorney-general, chief justice and de facto law minister were causing "restlessness (keresahan)" among Muslims. 

"The four appointments have been made in accordance with the Federal Constitution, and the racial identities and religious backgrounds of these four appointees are thus wholly irrelevant.  

"The appropriateness of the appointments must be based solely on whether they were made in compliance with the Federal Constitution and the laws of the nation, and on merit – including the integrity, abilities and competence of the individuals – as well as their commitment to abide by the Federal Constitution and to uphold the rule of law. 

"The breadth and depth of their experience in the relevant fields speak for themselves," he said.

Fareed also lauded the call from Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V yesterday for the unity and harmony of Malaysians to be preserved and strengthened.

The Agong said this his speech at the official opening of the 14th Parliament.

"The Malaysian Bar believes that our nation’s multiculturalism and its peoples’ respect for diversity are our strength. 

"Malaysians of all backgrounds and identities must rise above extremist and divisive thinking and remarks that drive a wedge between Malaysians and polarise our society.

"All Malaysians must join hands and together strive to build a peaceful, harmonious and just nation," he said.