The police force today strongly denied ex-prime minister Mahathir Mohamad's accusation that the country is a "police state".

"The police never threatened anyone who wanted to organise a gathering or a public event," police chief Musa Hassan was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency.

"If the gathering has obtained a police permit, police will monitor the gathering and if it threatens security, we will advise the organisers to stop the event," he added.

Mahathir, who is engaged in feud with with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, had accused Abdullah last week of running a "police state" and curbing his right to talk to members of the ruling Umno.

Tight security

Musa also denied that the police detained individuals who organised gatherings for Mahathir.

"We have never disturbed any gatherings. We, in actual fact, provide tight security following the July 28 incident in Kelantan state where Mahathir was hit by a pepper spray," he said.

The incident had caused a sensation in Malaysia, coming amid a bitter row between Mahathir and chosen successor Abdullah.