FORMER prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has accused the unity government of practicing a ‘double standard’ and acting like a ‘dictator’.

The former Pejuang chairman said this was evident as he felt as if he was being threatened when he was questioned by the police regarding his Facebook post on July 27.

“I am surprised, there is a ‘double standard’, when I read in the newspaper that Zeti (former governor of Bank Negara Malaysia) made a report to the Attorney General regarding the wrongdoing of three 1MDB officials, no police investigation, nothing.

“For me, this statement is a threat that prevents me from speaking about problems in the country. I speak according to clear facts and did not violate the law,” he said at a press conference at Yayasan Al-Bukhary.

According to the ex-Langkawi MP, his action on social media was based on the federal constitution.

“I said things in accordance with the Federal Constitution which states Malaysia as Malaya, when I say Malaya they say I am racist,” he added.

Last July 27, Mahathir uploaded a tweet on his Twitter account claiming that Malaysia is not a ‘multiracial’ country.

Dr Mahathir said so far he has had his statement recorded by the police for eight times dating back when former Prime Minister, Najib Razak was still in power.

“This needs to be explained to the people. We don’t need to change the constitution. That’s why I was called up and asked why I said that.

“I mentioned the problems we are facing right now. Malays are facing many problems, apparently we can’t talk like that,” he said.

He also expressed his willingness to answer all the remaining questions if he is accused in court for what he had posted on Facebook.

Dr Mahathir also claimed that the country is moving towards a ‘police state’ after claiming that the government is acting harshly on dissent.

“We find the situation in the country strange, as if we no longer follow the law, we follow our hearts.

“The police can act even if there is no case. For me this is a dictatorship. He has the habit of making decisions as he pleases,” he said. –  August 18, 2023.