THERE is no need to take action against Dr Mahathir Mohamad under the Sedition Act over his criticism of the government, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said.

However, Saifuddin said he is leaving it to the police to take appropriate action if necessary.

“For now, I don’t see the need. 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.

Previously, Padang Rengas Umno division chief Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz had called for the authorities to prosecute Dr Mahathir for sedition.

Saifuddin said his ministry took note of the Proklamasi Orang Melayu rally, which the former prime minister had been due to attend.

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

“I believe the people can see for themselves whether the allegations are true… Dr Mahathir has previously been in power for 22 years and again for 22 months.

“There were a lot of things he could have done to protect the Malays and prevent the things he is concerned about from occurring.

“It is unwarranted to worry that such a thing has happened during these four months,” he said. – Bernama, March 22, 2023.