Umno Youth has questioned why the former law firm of attorney-general Tommy Thomas is representing 1MDB in its claim over the superyacht Equanimity.

The wing's young lawyers' secretariat chairperson Nik Saiful Adli Burhan said this could lead to a conflict of interest.

"This conflict of interest goes against Pakatan Harapan's manifesto that clearly states that it will arrest the decay of key institutions in the country and restore the sovereignty of law and independence of government agencies.

"So, how can the government appoint a law firm that is owned by someone who holds an important position in the country?” he asked in a statement.

Nik Saiful was referring to lawyer Sitpah Selvaratnam, from the law firm Tommy Thomas Advocates & Solicitors, who represented 1MDB when the Equanimity arrived in Port Klang yesterday. 

Lawyer Jeremy Joseph from the law firm Joseph & Partners, who was also present, told reporters that the 1MDB legal team was appointed by the Attorney-General's Chambers to represent both the investment firm and Putrajaya.

As Nik Saiful pointed out, Harapan had previously complained about the conflict of interest involving former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak.

"(They said) Najib requested money from Najib who also approves the funds (in his capacity as finance minister), but now it appears that Harapan is doing something similar," he added.

Thomas was previously in private practice before being appointed as attorney-general.