In congratulating Thomas, Cenbet said it was glad his appointment was based on merit, not race or creed.

The think tank also commended the Malay Rulers, including the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, for upholding the Federal Constitution, and the government for acting wisely to defuse a potential constitutional crisis.

“The drama preceding the appointment, however, should be a cautionary tale of attempts to subvert the supremacy of the constitution, which we should all stand against,” it said.

Cenbet was referring to the impasse over the selection of Thomas, with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong initially declining to accept Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s nominee.

The Agong reportedly asked for more names, but the Pakatan Harapan government held its ground as under the constitution, the prerogative of making such appointments rests with the prime minister.

Noting that Thomas’ appointment came at a time when the country was undergoing robust change, Cenbet said: “We believe that given his experience and track record, he has what it takes to carry out the job.

“We are gratified that Thomas’ candidature has been endorsed by the Bar Council and the legal fraternity at large.”

It also hoped that Thomas would live up to the public’s expectations that he would uphold the rule of law to the highest standards.

“Top on his to-do list would be to prosecute high profile corruption cases to underline the new administration’s zero tolerance for graft and abuse of power,” it said.