Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is using the police and courts to eliminate opponents in coming elections, claimed Bersih and Suaram.

Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah said this is an unhealthy trend that needs to be addressed.

"Najib is trying to win the next election by using the courts, by trying to disrupt and disqualify the opposition," Bersih steering committee member Wong Chin Huat added.

In a joint statement, Suaram and Bersih said 18 opposition leaders are being probed for taking part in protests, and 'seditious remarks'.

If convicted, they said these opposition leaders could be disqualified from participating in the next general election.

Among them are Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali, DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang and Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad.

Suaram project coordinator Dobby Chew said the charge against Maria for organising the Bersih 4 rally was also proof of selective persecution.

He cited Attorney-General Mohamed Apandi Ali's remarks that Malay armed forces veteran president Mohd Ali Baharom was not charged with sedition due to insufficient evidence.

This was over racist remarks Ali made during the Low Yat unrest in June.

"But I think everyone knows the poor taste in statements by Ali Tinju.

"Was Bersih given the same treatment?" he asked.