In a video posted on Facebook, Ambiga questioned how the investigations came about in the first place.

“Let me ask Pakatan Harapan (PH), the reformist government – is this one of the demands by Umno in relation to the investigations against Thomas? Is it related to the book?” she asked, referring to Thomas’ controversial memoir “My Story: Justice in the Wilderness”.

At a forum held in September last year, Thomas had urged the opposition to get voters to ask themselves whether a “Malay government” had made the country better and more efficient.

Police launched an investigation against Thomas over his remark.

Other panellists at the forum were Parti Sosialis Malaysia chairman Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj, human rights lawyer and activist Siti Kasim, DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang and Gerak Independent co-founder Tawfik Ismail.

Ambiga also questioned what compromises were made by PH in their cooperation with Umno.

“To me, this is an utter abuse of power. I really want to know from PH – what else have you given away to Umno? Please tell us,” she said.

“Have you agreed to throw your former AG under the bus? Please come out and be honest.”

Umno is currently part of the Anwar Ibrahim-led unity government, which also comprises Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, with support from MPs from Muda, Warisan, Parti Bangsa Malaysia and independents.

PH came under fire after appointing Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as deputy prime minister despite the Umno president facing corruption charges.