In a statement, Boo said it would also show the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government’s lack of determination to forge ahead with institutional reforms.

Noting that Rahim had been jailed for two months for assaulting PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim in custody, Boo said the judge in the case had described the former IGP’s act as “despicable and inhuman” and “the worst kind of indiscipline in a disciplined force such as the police”.

“All Cabinet members are urged to collectively reject the appointment of the former IGP who was convicted of a criminal charge to represent Malaysia in international peace talks in order to prevent the deterioration of Malaysia’s positive image as a nation determined for change.

“New Malaysia should be portrayed as a nation of great humanity, and any envoys and public officers who represent the country must be of utmost integrity and composure,” he said, calling on DAP secretary-general and Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng to raise the issue at the next Cabinet meeting

Rahim, 75, replaces Ahmad Zamzamin Hashim who was appointed by the previous Barisan Nasional government to facilitate the peace talks between Thailand and Mara Patani, a coalition of rebel forces.

His appointment has received backlash from several quarters, including Anwar’s daughter and Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar, and former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin.