Police to quiz Ambiga over calls to topple government

Police sources say Hakam president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan is being investigated over alleged calls for the public to stage street protests to topple the government. – The Malaysian Insider filepic, July 30, 2015.Police today confirmed that National Human Rights Society (Hakam) president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan has been called in for questioning over alleged calls for the public to stage street protests to topple the government.

A police source said the appointment was set at 3pm at Dang Wangi police headquarters and it will be handled by investigating officers from Bukit Aman.

"The investigation has nothing do with Kuala Lumpur police. All being handled by Bukit Aman."

It is understood that Ambiga is being investigated under Section 124 of the Penal Code for activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy.

A charge under this section carries a jail term of up to 20 years, upon conviction.

Ambiga's lawyer Latheefa Koya confirmed that the former Malaysian Bar president would be at Dang Wangi police headquarters tomorrow.

She said lawyers Eric Paulsen, N. Surendran and M. Puravalen would accompany Ambiga to the police station.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar told the media today that police would also be calling journalists who wrote the articles that quoted Ambiga's remarks to assist in investigation.

"I have openly ask Ambiga to deny what was being reported but until today she has not," said Khalid after a police function in Cheras today.

He said if what was said in the social media was true, Ambiga could be arrested and investigated.

"If it's true we can detain her under Section 124 and investigate. Calling the people to the street to topple the government is a very serious offence."

He said the police were responsible to ensure that everyone including non-governmental organisations toe the line.

"You can change the government but it has to be done in the right way. Constitutional way," said Khalid.

Meanwhile, on Bersih 4.0 rally that is scheduled on August 29 and 30, Khalid said the rally will also be deemed an offence if it is conducted to topple the government in undemocratic way.

"I received information that Bersih wants to hold a rally. Please abide the law."

He said the police have no problem if the Bersih 4.0 rally wanted to gather and voice whatever “feelings” they have, but it has to be done in the right way.

"They have to do it according to the law, if not we will take action."

Ambiga along with several other NGOs two days ago unveiled an "action plan" to save the country from the current crisis by proposing that a "national government" be formed beyond party lines while asking Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to take leave of absence.

She warned that if a proper solution was not found in the near future to deal with the situation, the people would have no choice but to take to the streets to voice their displeasure.

"Now is the time to find a solution, now is the time to speak up," she said.

She said Najib's move to reshuffle his Cabinet only made Malaysia's current political fiasco worse.

In the Cabinet reshuffle announced on Tuesday, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was sacked as deputy prime minister and replaced by Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

"This is only compounding the crisis, not solving it," Ambiga said, adding that Najib now had "so much power" in his hands.

Najib also appointed seven new ministers and nine new deputy ministers.

The reshuffle comes at a time when he is facing allegations that state funds were deposited into his personal accounts.

Najib had denied taking any government funds for personal gain.

His brainchild, state investment firm 1Malaysia Development Berhad, is also being investigated for alleged financial improprieties.

- TMI