Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian police detained at least 40 activists today in a crackdown on a planned opposition-led protest over inflation ahead of national elections expected within weeks.

Opposition groups wanted to hold the rally today outside Kuala Lumpur's landmark Petronas Twin Towers to demand that the government forego a likely fuel price hike and prevent the cost of essential goods from rising. Authorities said organisers had not applied for the legally required permission to hold a public demonstration.

Opposition leaders said their application would probably have been rejected, noting that police had prevented several street demonstrations since November. Police and a truck with a water cannon stood ready today as more than 100 demonstrators tried to gather near the towers. Some shouted "Reformasi', the Malay word for "reform".

Witnesses and journalists at the scene said authorities detained at least 40 people. Other would-be demonstrators lingered in the area for more than an hour before dispersing peacefully. "The leadership is paranoid," opposition activist Nasir Hashim told reporters. "There is no justice, no democracy." Authorities have been wary of street protests in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's largest city, after two rallies in November drew tens of thousands of people demanding electoral reforms and racial equality. Police used water cannons and tear gas to quell both rallies.

Source : PTI