Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today said the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) is attempting to destroy the country with its actions.

He also slammed those who tarnish the name of Malaysia overseas and described them as people who do not love the country.

In an obvious reference to Hindraf chairperson P Waythamoorthy, Abdullah said those who solicit support from outsiders are traitors.

"This is a betrayal of our country. Was there ethnic cleansing? There was nothing about wiping out the Indians in the country," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

The premier said the people are angry at those who go overseas to seek support and cook up baseless allegations.

"Actually they don't love the country, they only hunger for power and don't care about what happens to the country," he added.

Abdullah said that those who were obsessed with their views did not care about the consequences of their acts.

"We are the ones who have to face everything. We have to defend the peace and well-being of the people," he said.

Waythamoorhy is currently in London canvassing for support. Previously, he was in India where he met several top politicians.

Hindraf has accused the Malaysian government of marginalising the Indians and subjecting them to ethnic cleansing.

On Nov 25, it organised a massive street rally which incurred the wrath of government leaders who later linked the movement to terrorist organisations, a charge which has been denied.

There is freedom of expression

Meanwhile, Abdullah said the country had become developed and successful based on the practice of democracy which respected and upheld the law and constitution.

Malaysia still gave the people the freedom to voice their opinions, including in the mass media, he said.

"If this freedom is used in an irresponsible manner, the people will suffer," he added.

He said that as a result of the recent street demonstrations, various sectors, especially the tourism and business sectors, had suffered losses.

He had been informed that hotels in the Bukit Bintang area had received 10 percent cancellations of room reservations because of these demonstrations.

"If already 10 percent of the bookings are cancelled, it's a loss to the hotels. Besides, I believe that the tour agencies and tour bus operators have also received cancellations," he said.

Abdullah said the Barisan Nasional-led government always listened to the views of the people which were conveyed through the proper channels like the elected representatives, associations, non-governmental organisations and certain committees.

"We carry out development according to the wishes and aspirations of the people and we practise a policy of helping all the races," he said.

Earlier, the prime minister received a memorandum a memorandum from the Damai Malaysia group opposing street demonstrations in the country.

Damai Malaysia, a group of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), submitted the five-page memorandum from 395 NGOs which jointly rejected street demonstrations and called on the government to take stern action against the culprits.

This afternoon, the police arrested five Hindraf leaders, including its legal adviser P Uthayakumar, under the Internal Security Act.