The government will do "what it takes to defeat and crush any political extremism and militant activities", vowed Gerakan leader Lim Keng Yaik today.

"Let me assure you that the Barisan Nasional will not stand still and let Malaysians succumb to the harm and lies of these extremists and opportunists," Lim said while officiating the party's 30th national conference in Kuala Lumpur.

He explained that the country was facing uncertainties and challenges in the face of political extremism and continuous threats of extremism.

"I must warn Malaysians against any extremist and militant influences to undermine our democracy," Lim told the 1,700 party delegates.

The Gerakan leader was apparently referring to the arrests of 10 people, mostly PAS members, who were allegedly responsible for a spate of bank robberies, the bombing of a church and a temple, and the assassination of a Barisan Nasional state assemblyman.

Among those arrested was Nik Adli Nik Aziz, the son of Kelantan Mentri Besar and PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz.

Women marginalised

Lim also took the opportunity to lambast the Muslim-based PAS on its policy on women.

"PAS has implemented some ridiculous restrictions on women like all Muslim women must wear head scarves and discouraged them from wearing lipstick, not being allowed to work beyond 5pm, and less attractive women are given priority to state jobs," Lim said.

He said that the opposition party's policies would marginalise women and should be rejected.

"The role of women will definitely be less prominent and less important in view of PAS' male chauvinistic approach," Lim said.

"Hence, it is pertinent that all women should reject any attempt to set back the clock of women's development and progress to those of the Dark Ages."

The Gerakan conference, which began yesterday, ends tomorrow.