KUALA LUMPUR: Former minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri bin Abdul Aziz said former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad should be charged under the Sedition Act over his criticism of the government.

Yesterday, Nazri, who is Malaysian ambassador to the United States, spoke to Astro Awani about Dr Mahathir's claim that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was shutting down critics.

Dr Mahathir also claimed that Anwar had shut down the former Langkawi lawmaker's "Malay Proclamation" event.

"During his (Dr Mahathir's) time (as prime minister), anyone who wanted to organise a rally to criticise the government would be deemed as going against the government.

"They (detractors) would be arrested under the Internal Security Act.

"If you do not believe me, ask (Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia president) Datuk Ibrahim Ali."

Dr Mahathir recently joined the party. Ibrahim had been detained under the Internal Security Act twice.

Nazri said during Dr Mahathir's 22-year administration, racial gatherings were prohibited.

"I was part of his cabinet. Maybe he forgot that when he headed the government, such gatherings were banned," he told Astro Awani.

Nazri said he was surprised by Dr Mahathir's recent concern for the Malays as he was critical of the community when he was prime minister.

"Now that he is no longer in power, he wants to show that he cares for the Malays. But Malays do not believe him anymore."

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/891275/nazri-charge-dr-m-under-sedition-act