No need to use Sedition Act against Mahathir, says Saifuddin

There is no need to take action under the Sedition Act against Dr Mahathir Mohamad over the former prime minister’s criticism of the government, says Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Saifuddin said he would leave it to the police to take the appropriate action, if necessary.

"For now, I don’t see the need (to take action under the Sedition Act against Mahathir).

"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," he told reporters in Shah Alam yesterday.

He was responding to Padang Rengas Umno division chief Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, who had called for action under the Sedition Act against Mahathir for criticising the government.

Saifuddin said his ministry took note of the organisation of a rally and the "Malay Proclamation" event which the former prime minister had been due to attend.

The event was organised following Mahathir’s claim that the Malays had lost more power under the current government administration.

"I believe the people can see for themselves whether the allegations are true... Tun (Mahathir) himself was 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 he is concerned about from occurring.

"So it is unwarranted to worry that such a thing has happened during these four months," he said.