Opposition parties DAP and the pro-tem Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) denounced the high-handedness of police in firing teargas to disperse anti-war protestors over the weekend, on the second anniversary of the US-led invasion on Iraq.

DAP leader Ronnie Liu in a statement said the disruption of the anti-war protest has marred Malaysia's reputation as a peace-loving nation.

"It also sends a message to the world community that the Malaysian government has no more sympathy, support and solidarity with the Iraqi people who have suffered a great deal over the past two years," he said.

Liu, the party's international and non-governmental organisation bureau chief, called on Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to apologise to the protestors and clarify whether he condoned the high-handedness of the police and their abuse of power.

"The return of water cannons reminds Malaysians of the bitter chapter under the iron fist of (former premier) Dr Mahathir Mohamad," he said.

In another statement, DAP Bukit Bintang Member of Parliament Fong Kui Lun said "it was most deplorable" that the police had resorted to using teargas and water cannon to disperse the crowd.

"It is time the police were more 'human rights sensitive' and ended all forms of high-handedness that disrupts peaceful assemblies," he said.

The statement was jointly released by Fong and five party colleagues who had been arrested on March 1 when the DAP attempted to launch its campaign for the revival of local elections.

Reports 'distorted'

PSM pro-tem chairperson Dr Nasir Hashim asked the government to explain why the protest was disrupted when similar protests were allowed in hundreds of cities around the world.

He condemned the mainstream media for "continuing to distort the truth by stating that the peaceful assembly was unruly".

"What is the Malaysian government's stand on the continued occupation of US troops in Iraq? Recently the government supported the election in Iraq which was conducted under occupation.

Where does the government stand on Iraq?" Nasir asked.

Police ordered some 400 supporters of the Coalition Against War-Malaysia to disperse from outside the US embassy, where they had gathered yesterday morning.

Organisers claimed that chemical-laced water and teargas had been fired at the demonstrators before they were able to move away.

The protestors had held placards that read 'Don't kill innocent people', 'Stop the imperialist war' and chanted slogan like 'Damn George Bush, Damn Tony Blair'.

Photos by Colin Nicholas and Roshan Jason .