The organisers of today's rallies here has clearly ignored the advice by the Agong to hold the gathering in an area which will not inconvenience the public, said Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.

Expressing regret over the action of the group, Hishammuddin said he was thankful that the police were able to prevent any serious incidents, like fights and loss of lives, from happening.

"We are thankful because the police were able to control the situation and avoid the opposing groups involved from bumping into each other.

"The police were also able to carry out their duties well, despite being challenged and provoked by the demonstrators," he said in a statement today.

bersih rally petaling street 090711 Hishammuddin said that the groups had not taken any initiative to hold a peaceful assembly, despite the government giving them the assurance that they would be allowed to do so at stadiums located outside the city.

The advice and views from Prime Minister Najib Razak were also ignored, he added.

He said the actions of those involved in today's rallies clearly showed their intention to create chaos in the country and to be arrested by the police to prove that the government was cruel.

Referring the street demonstrations held by Bersih 2.0, Hishammuddin said there was no criticisms made against the Election Commission (EC) during their rally today.

"It was no longer about the EC, but the involvement of the political leaders from the opposition parties with an agenda which is a far cry from what they have been shouting before.

"They continue to shout 'Reformasi' and create disorder," he added.

Police praised

He said it was obvious that the opposition parties had ill-intentions and wanted to create chaos with the purpose of giving the international community a negative image of the country.

NONE "The opposition wants Malaysia to be seen as unstable and this, in the end, will give rise to various implications, including to the country's economy," he added.

Hishammuddin said the police had performed their duties according to the law and that he was satisfied with the action taken against those who breached the laws.

He said he was also grateful that thorough investigations had been conducted by the authorities, leading to the seizure of various weapons, including bombs and chemical substances, which otherwise would been have used in the illegal demonstrations today.

- Bernama