KUALA LUMPUR: The government will apply for extradition when it comes to dealing with Malaysians living abroad who speak ill of the country, said Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar today.

Wan Junaidi said this is to ensure that they face the full brunt of the law and go through the full justice system in Malaysia, and that action will be taken against them under the Sedition Act or with sections under the Penal Code.

"Action can be taken under the Sedition Act or the Penal Code in addition to the efforts by the government to extradite these individuals so that they can be returned to Malaysia to face the justice system," he told the Dewan Negara today.

Wan Junaidi, who is Santubong MP, was responding to an oral question by Senator Abdul Shukor Mohd Sultan, who asked what action will be taken against Malaysian citizens who make seditious statements abroad.

The Santubong MP further said that the government is well aware of those who are making statements that will damage the country's image abroad and some would even seek the help of foreign nations to intervene in criminal offences committed locally.

Wan Junaidi said these statements, when not directed to the right channels, can jeopardise Malaysia's good relations in the global community.

"These actions are in the name of gaining political mileage and to appear as a 'hero' before the people, as if the government has not done anything to address the issues they raised," he said.

Although he did not single out any individuals, the deputy minister was likely referring to former Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who had approached several foreign leaders including US president Barack Obama regarding several issues in Malaysia.

His party, PKR, too has been seeking foreign intervention to free Anwar, who is serving a five year prison sentence after being convicted of sodomising his former aide Saiful Bukhari Azlan in February.

Other individuals who have earned the government's ire but are currently abroad include sex blogger Alvin Tan and student activist Ali Abd Jalil.