Malaysia’s Institute of Islamic Strategic Research (IKSIM) has objected to the proposal of appointing Tommy Thomas, who is known for his pro-secularism stance, as the Attorney-General, stating that the move will be unconstitutional and go against the Pakatan Harapan manifesto. Meanwhile, a group of concerned lawyers argues that the new government is promoting cronyism by appointing Thomas due to his role as a legal counsel to Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng in his ongoing corruption case. Lim pleaded not guilty on June 30, 2016, to two counts of corruption over the conversion of agricultural land to residential status and the purchase of a plot and bungalow at below market value. His trial is expected to commence on July 30.