The police are the ones supposed to be looking after the safety of protesters during rallies and not the organisers, said Parti Keadilan Rakyat information chief Tian Chua.

"The protesters are not protesting for anybody else but themselves. In fact, the responsibility lies with the police not to get violent with or inflict injuries on those exercising their freedom," said Chua when contacted.

He stressed that organisers ought to be tasked with highlighting issues and setting avenues for civil society to voice their dissatisfaction.

"We cannot predict what the police or the government might do (to protesters)," he added.

Chua maintained that every Malaysian citizen has equal rights in attending last Sunday's anti-fuel and electricity hike protest, including women and children.

Women more empowered

The protest sparked widespread public outcry over the use of excessive violence on peaceful and unarmed protesters which left at least three protesters having to seek medical attention.

A portion of seasoned protesters also brought their children and spouses along, raising the question of whether they are being intentionally put in harm's way.

PKR secretary-general Zahir Hassan however disagreed. He contended that women are becoming more educated and are empowered to voice out their opinions more now.

As one of the protest's organisers, he said that his role was to inform protesters that it was a peaceful protests and that weapons of any kind were forbidden.

"Our wits, banners and slogans are all 'weapons' for social change that we need," Zahir said, adding that rights to a peaceful assembly is enshrined in Article 11 of the Federal Constitution.

Meanwhile, the chief protest organiser, Dr Hatta Ramli is currently serving in the earthquake torn region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia and was unavailable for comment.