PM defends crackdown on protesters

Kuala Lumpur,-Prime Minister Najib Razak on Sunday defended the government's handling of the demonstrations, saying "we dislike chaos".Najib also accused opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim for masterminding the protest to drum up support for his political aspirations. People came out in large numbers yesterday for the opposition-backed rally to bring pressure on Najib's long ruling coalition to usher in electoral reforms and more transparency ahead of national polls early next year.Police fired tear gas and detained more than 1,600 people during the protest.Addressing more than 6000 supporters in Kuala Lumpur, Najib lashed out at Anwar, saying he is prepared to sacrifice his principles to achieve his dream of becoming prime minister.

He accused Anwar of masterminding the protest march held by NGO Bersih 2.0, the opposition coalition and called him an opportunist.He described the Bersih (meaning clean in Malay language) rally as a desperate plan by Anwar to manipulate the people to gain their support.

Najib said Anwar's position was affected by the growing support of the people for the government following the various economic development policies that had been implemented."He knows that if he does not do anything, we (the ruling coalition of Barisan Nasional) will win in the 13th general election"."This is the last chance for him. When people know that this is their last chance, they will do everything, good or bad," he said.Najib dismissed claims of police brutality during the protest and said police personnel had used minimum force when acting against the demonstrators."We dislike chaos. We like peace. We like a country where the people live in harmony," he said.On reports that a person had died during the protests, the Prime Minister said it had happened because of a pre-existing medical condition.

Acting city police chief Amar Singh confirmed that Baharuddin Ahmad, who was in his 50s, died after complaining of chest pains.The Prime Minister said Anwar deliberately wanted to bring down the country's image.He appealed to all not to make demonstrations a part of Malaysian culture."We are peace-loving citizens who want to live in peace and harmony, and want to live in a country that has a bright future," he said