The move to cease providing escorts for former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is appropriate, said Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.
He said the security privilege should have been terminated long ago.
"I think it is out of place to provide him with escorts when he is moving around only to condemn the government that gave him the privilege.
"The decision ought to have been made long ago. But we hope he realises that what he has been doing was not in the best interest of the country," he said.
Nazri said should Dr Mahathir continue doing so and in the course of it, offend certain quarters thus putting himself at risk, then the government would not want to be responsible for it.
"From the aspect of logistics, why give this privilege to people who are against us. If he wants to get us in a fighting match, we're game. I am prepared to have a match with him anytime," he told the media when met at a community programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan Buntal, here Sunday.
A local news portal recently reported that police would no longer provide Dr Mahathir with the two escorts effective April 28.
Touching on other matters, Nazri denied claims by the opposition that federal ministers coming to Sarawak were promising all kinds of allocations to fish for votes for the BN in the state election on May 7.
"There is no rule in our Elections Act which forbids the government from continuing to do what should be done by the government," he said.
Furthermore, he said he and several other cabinet ministers coming to Sarawak were linked or contesting in the elections and were only carrying out their duties as federal ministers.
Nazri also took to task Kota Raja UMNO vice head Hamidi Abu Bakar for saying that Nazri's plan to table a motion calling for the sacking of former UMNO deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and former Kedah menteri besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir from UMNO at the party's next Supreme Council meeting would be catastrophic for UMNO.
"Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as a medical doctor used to advise us that if there is any part of the body with cancer, you just cut it," he said.
Bernama
Sun May 01 2016
He said the security privilege should have been terminated long ago.
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.