THERE is no need to take action under the Sedition Act against former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s criticism of the government, according to Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
“For now, I don’t see the need (to take action under the Sedition Act against Dr Mahathir),” Bernama quoted Saifuddin as saying after attending the Ikon Madani Townhall organised by Yayasan Prihatin Nasional which was attended by about 2,000 Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) and Universiti Pertahanan Awam Nasional students in Shah Alam.
“The most important thing is that anyone can express their opinions but never cross the line and touch on matters related to religion, race and the royal institution (3R).”
However, he said he would leave it fully to the police to take appropriate action if necessary.
The former domestic trade and consumer affairs minister said this in response to Padang Rengas UMNO division chief Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz who called for action under the Sedition Act to be taken against Dr Mahathir for criticising the current government.
Furthermore, Saifuddin stated that his ministry was aware of the planning of a rally and the “Malay Proclamation” event, both of which the former prime minister was scheduled to attend.
The gathering was organised in following Dr Mahathir’s claim that Malays have lost more authority under the present government administration.
According to Saifuddin, he is of the opinion that people can see for themselves whether the allegations are true.
“Tun (Dr Mahathir) himself has been in power for 22 years and 22 months. There were a lot of things he could have done to protect the Malays and prevent the things that Tun is concerned about from occurring,” he justified. “So, it is unwarranted to worry that such a thing has happened during these four months.” — March 23, 2023
