A regional human rights organisation today criticised the Malaysian police over the crackdown on a demonstration against the increase in fuel prices on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur.

In a statement today, the Bangkok-based non-governmental organisation The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (Forum-Asia) called on the government to act against the police.

"Forum-Asia condemns the highhandedness of the police in arresting the protestors, mostly workers and activists, during a peaceful gathering.

"It is time for the government to explain and take action on the violent reaction by the police. It seems the police themselves are relenting to violent actions, which is supposedly their task to prevent," it said.

Establish IPCMC

The organisation also called for the speedy establishment of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission ( IPCMC ).

The commission, which had been recommended by the Police Royal Commission, supported by civil society groups and given the green light by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, has been rejected by the police.

Several ruling politicians have also expressed reservations over any external monitoring of the police force.

Meanwhile, Forum-Asia said Sunday's incident also brought into question Abdullah's 'sincerity, professionalism and commitment'.

"This blatant violation of human rights calls into question the sincerity, professionalism and commitment of the Malaysian prime minister to honor the rights of his people," it said.

The protest , which drew some 1,500 people, outside the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) was led by the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) and several opposition political parties.

Among the 22 arrested were PAS treasurer Dr Hatta Ramli and his two daughters. The detainees were released several hours later.

Forum Asia questioned the reason for the police to intervene when freedom of expression and assembly were guaranteed within the Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.

"The police's excuse of arresting people because the organisers did not have a permit for the gathering holds no water when the Federal Constitution guaranteed the two rights," it said.