The government does not act arbitrarily in detaining or taking legal action against any individual without strong grounds, says Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak.
As such, he said any detention was not solely politically motivated as claimed by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed, simulaneously labelling the claims by the former prime minister as utterly baseless.
"The accusation is totally baseless. What we do is in accordance with the existing rules.
"There is definitely a reason why we detain someone under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma). We don't take action as we like, when there is no strong proof," he told reporters after launching the ministry level Zumba and People's Sport Carnival programme in conjunction with the National Sports Day here, today.
He said this when asked to comment on claims by Dr Mahathir that Malaysia was now seen by the world as a 'pariah' nation when anybody could be arrested, investigated, detained and charged via the abuse of national laws.
The statement was written by Dr Mahathir following the detention of a former UMNO leader, Datuk Seri Khairuddin Abu Hassan and his lawyer, Matthias Chang under the Sosma for lodging an international report on 1MDB.
Commenting further, Salleh said during the administration of Mahathir, the former prime minister also stressed that it was the duty of the government to look after national security.
"We must investigate any quarters aiming to disrupt the stability of the nation, that is most important, because our emphasis is on a peaceful Malaysia," he said.
In addition, Salleh said the government under the leadership of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak practised an open government whereby the people would not be punished just for giving their views or had differing views on the government policy.
"But don't give views which are different to the point of breaching the limits of the law. Or to the point of adversely affecting security, unity and inter-communal relations and religion.
"Or being involved in efforts to topple the leadership and in cahoot with those who are not Malaysian nationals. If this takes place, it is the duty of any government to take appropriate action," he added.
Bernama
Sat Oct 10 2015
SALLEH: There is definitely a reason why we detain someone under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma). - File pic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.