Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the authorities must take stern action against the mastermind behind the organising of the Bersih 4 rally.

Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said the authorities should also monitor the leaders behind the rally.

"We also follow every word they say, We know the actions taken by them," he told a media conference after officially opening the Ipoh Timur Umno division meeting in Perak Umno building in Ipoh today.

He was asked to comment on action that could be taken against those involved.

Zahid said among the legal action that could be taken against them are the Peaceful Assembly Act, the Sedition Act, the Penal Code and Police Act.

Ahmad Zahid also reminded the parties concerned not to blame the authorities if action was taken against them.

"I agree with Tan Sri IGP (Khalid Abu Bakar), dare to do, dare to take responsibility. Don't accuse the authorities, especially the government of being despotic because in reality they are cruel to themselves," he said.

He also reminded certain quarters not to make slanderous statements that certain public figures would join the rally.

"Don't claim that a public figure will come even though he is actually overseas," he said.

Commenting on the presence of Mahathir Mohamad at the rally, Ahmad Zahid said the matter should not have become any issue as the former prime minister was only at the venue for merely six minutes.

- Bernama