'Anwar is abusing power, threatening to release files on ex-Umno ministers' says Dr Mahathir

SHAH ALAM - Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has accused Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim of abusing his power by threatening to release files on the misconduct of former Umno ministers.

He also said many Malay dignitaries were afraid and not happy with the current government's performance but refused to speak up, fearing they would be demoted or lose their position.

"They are afraid that if they are identified by the government, action will be taken against them. They said this when I met them, but they refuse to join any movement that has the same opinion as them.

"Some are afraid that their position will be lowered or stripped. Some are afraid of their contract being revoked or hindered. Some are afraid that certain people will report to the police, and the police will conduct an investigation.

"There were even threats to send a police car in front of their house," he said in a Facebook post today.

His comments followed Anwars's statement at the Jelajah Madani event on July 15, where he said there was a file containing information about former Umno ministers who had left the party ahead of the 15th General Election (GE15).

"If you want to reveal, reveal everything.

"Reveal about the current ministers as well. I know there is an investigation paper against Anwar himself, although I have not seen it.

"The police told me when I was prime minister.

"Laws are made for everyone, not just for the opposing party. Are threats and actions like this allowed by democracy?" Dr Mahathir wrote in a post.

Anwar said the file contains evidence of numerous irregularities committed by the former ministers during their tenures governing the country.

Dr Mahathir said if a crime takes place, legal action should be taken.

"However, it is irresponsible for Anwar to use police and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigations for political threats. He also questioned whether Anwar's current move to threaten the ministers and use investigation papers against them was also part of the reformation the prime minister was fighting for.

"Is this part of your reformation?" he asked.