PETALING JAYA: Umno and PAS have been accused of trying to gain political mileage by claiming that Attorney-General Tommy Thomas had interfered in the inquest into the death of firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim and calling for his resignation.
Klang MP Charles Santiago said the two parties were indulging in racial politics. “They want a political victory (over Pakatan Harapan) to show that they are fighting for their (Malay) community,” he told theSun.
“They are baying for blood and the AG is an easy target,” he said.
Santiago said Umno and PAS were playing the race card by claiming that a non-Malay could not look after their interests.
In defence of Thomas, PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil said the AG should be given time to study the findings of the inquest.
The coroner had ruled that Adib’s death was the result of a criminal act committed by two persons.
Fahmi said the findings would give room for the police and the AG’s Chambers to take the necessary action. “Everyone wants justice, more so the family of Adib,” the Lembah Pantai MP said.
Opposition Leader and Umno vice-president Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob had earlier called for the AG’s resignation, accusing him of acting unprofessionally.
He claimed the government had already ascertained the cause of death even before the findings of the inquest were announced.
He cited an affidavit filed by DPP Hamdan Hamzah stating that Adib’s death was not due to him being beaten up by any party.
Adib, 24, was injured in a riot at the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple on Nov 27 last year and he succumbed to his injuries on Dec 17.
MCA vice-president Datuk Ti Lian Ker said there seem to be some bias in the case and it was justified to call for Thomas to resign.
