The police have been urged not to over-reacting and to dismantle the roadblocks set up at various points ahead of a mass rally planned by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) this Sunday.

"From all indications, the traffic gridlock in Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley this time is going to be worse than a fortnight ago - no thanks to the police," said Opposition leader Lim Kit Siang in reference to the earlier roadblocks mounted prior to the Bersih rally on Nov 10.

"The police should stop over-reacting, dismantle the roadblocks creating massive jams in KL and Klang Valley and issue a police permit for the Hindraf rally," he added in a statement today.

The veteran politician told the police not to repeat its 'high-handed actions' during the Bersih rally.

"(This) could have been avoided or ameliorated considerably with enlightened and sensitive police handling of peaceful gatherings by citizens exercising their fundamental rights to get their voices heard in a meaningful democracy," he said.

He also reminded the police not to use excessive force to control the crowd.

"The Inspector General-of-Police (Musa Hassan) must ensure that nothing is done to turn Nov 25 into a 'bloody Sunday' in Kuala Lumpur, which can only add shame and ignominy to Malaysia's international reputation," he warned.

Lawyer arrested

Since yesterday, police have set up roadblocks at various entry points into the city centre in anticipation of the Hindraf rally which is slated to take place outside the British High Commission.

Hindraf plans to gather 10,000 Indian Malaysians to hand a memorandum addressed to the Queen to support a class-action suit against Her Majesty's government for bringing Indians to Malaysia as indentured labourers and exploiting them for 150 years.

A total of US$4 trillion (RM14 trillion) is being sought or US$2 million for every Indian residing in Malaysia.

This morning, police arrested Hindraf legal adviser P Uthayakumar under the Sedition Act.

The police have also obtained a court order to restrain anyone from organising or participating in the rally.