Ambiga and Siti Kasim fume, question if deal was struck over Thomas’ probe.
Lawyers Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan and Siti Kasim have hit out at the unity government after being summoned to Bukit Aman on Thursday (Jan 19) over a remark made by former attorney general Tan Sri Tommy Thomas at a forum last year.
In a Facebook video on Thursday, Ambiga questioned whether the investigation on Thomas was one of Umno’s demands towards Pakatan Harapan, when forming the unity government.
“Let me ask the reformist government, Pakatan Harapan – is this one of the demands by Umno in relation to the investigation against Tommy Thomas.
“Is it related to the book…it is clear to me that it (investigations against Thomas) is connected to the charges that have been brought against some of the Umno leaders.
“This is an utter abuse of power. What else have you (Pakatan) given away to Umno?” she said.
Umno is part of the unity government led by Pakatan’s Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, alongside Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, as well as MPs from Muda, Warisan, Parti Bangsa Malaysia and Independents.
Siti, meanwhile, questioned whether such investigations were aimed to suppress the freedom of expression.
“We can’t say anything if we are unhappy (about something) and this is something the government has to seriously look at,” she said.
At a forum in September last year, Thomas urged the Opposition to get voters to ask themselves whether a “Malay government” had led to the country being better and more efficient.
The police then launched an investigation against Thomas over his remark.
“I repeat my call to Harapan. What are you doing? I want to know Harapan, did you agree to throw the former AG under the bus?
“That’s the perception because it follows the RCI issue all of which are about former AG. Then one must ask the question of why is (Umno president) Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in particular, interested in it.
“Is it because of the charges he is facing?” Ambiga told Malaysiakini later.
While the investigation was launched when Umno’s Ismail Sabri Yaakob was the prime minister, she said the public should not forget that Zahid said Harapan had given in to all their demands.
“Shortly thereafter, the RCI was announced, and these investigations started again. The timing speaks for itself.
“I am so angry at how they are prepared to sacrifice people who worked hard to bring crooks to justice. Then at the drop of a hat, they throw them to the wolves so that they can hold power,” Ambiga said.