Former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has expressed concerns about the state of Malaysia’s governance, stating that the country has progressed to the level of a “police state.” He criticized the current government for seemingly disregarding the rule of law and making decisions at their discretion. Dr. Mahathir also alleged that the government is acting in a dictatorial manner by suppressing discussions about Malays’ difficulties and intimidating individuals who speak out against it.
Dr. Mahathir’s statements were made during a press conference where he accused the government of selectively prosecuting individuals and applying double standards. He defended his own remarks, which discussed Malaysia’s status as a Malay country, stating that his comments were based on factual information and did not violate any laws.
The former Prime Minister’s concerns stem from what he perceives as a lack of respect for freedom of speech and a failure to uphold the principles of religion, race, and the Royal Institution. He further criticized the authorities for using intimidation tactics to silence dissenting voices and accused them of deploying the police to control public discourse.
Dr. Mahathir’s statements were made in response to being summoned by the police to record his statement following his earlier remarks on social media. These remarks revolved around the themes of Malaysia as a Malay country and the ownership of the nation. According to Dr. Mahathir, his intention was to discuss constitutional matters, but he was accused of racism instead.
In summary, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has voiced his concerns about Malaysia’s current governance, asserting that the country has reached a point resembling a “police state.” He highlighted perceived violations of free speech, selective prosecution, and the suppression of discussions about Malays’ difficulties. The former Prime Minister defended his own remarks as factual and constitutionally based, expressing his belief that the police’s actions were meant to intimidate and stifle his opinions.