Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad said that Malaysia had progressed to the level of a "police state."
According to the former Prime Minister, the country's current state is unusual, as if it does not respect the law but rather does as it pleases.
The former Langkawi Member of Parliament also alleged that the current government is like a dictator as they forbid Malays from discussing their difficulties.
"I believe we have reached a point where Malaysia can be described as a 'police state' (or) a police government. Because the government has the authority to make any choice, the attorney general has the authority to make any decision, whether or not it is in accordance with the rules.
"What kind of government do we have now? In my opinion, I publicly declare that this man is a dictator. Indirectly, he has the characteristics of a dictator who makes his own decisions," he remarked at a press conference in the capital according to Astro Awani.
Dr. Mahathir also stated that the government tried to intimidate and silence him from speaking out about Malays' difficulties. This happened after the cops recorded his chat about his two recent statements.
“Government is supposed to be three R's (religion, race, and the Royal Institution).”
"Such a serious matter, which hinders the people's right to speak, should be determined by law, but there is no law that the people can understand," Dr Mahathir added.
According to Astro Awani, Dr. Mahathir was summoned by police today to record his statement following his July 27 remarks.
He is accused of posting two Facebook postings titled 'Malaysia a Malay Country' and 'Who Owns the Country'.
According to the New Straits Times, Dr Mahathir defended his postings when he accused the government of selective prosecution and double standards, as well as deploying the authorities at their whims and fancies, resulting in Malaysia becoming a “police state.”
"To me, the police’s action is a form of intimidation to keep me from speaking out about issues affecting the country. What I mentioned was absolutely factual and did not violate any laws.”
"I spoke about the (Federal) Constitution, which states the country's position as 'Tanah Melayu,' but I was accused of being racist," said Tun Dr. Mahathir.
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