Dewan Rakyat Speaker Ramli Ngah Talib shot down an opposition motion to debate the "excessive force used by the police" in Sunday's rally organised by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf).

The motion, moved by M Kulasegaran (DAP-Ipoh Barat) was rejected on the grounds that it was an illegal rally because police had not approved the organiser's application for a permit.

"Furthermore, a restraining order was also issued against supporters participating in the rally," said Ramli, adding that the police were only doing their duty to control the crowd.

Kulasegaran, in his motion, questioned as to why the Indian community has been categorised as third-class citizens.

"The police were extreme in firing teargas and water cannon at those who had gathered to voice their plight. Police action cannot be condoned in a democratic country," he said.

"The use of such dangerous weapons on the public proves that the police have gone against the law. Hundreds of teargas canisters were fired into the crowd. The government must have lost a lot of money doing this.

"The incident had saddened some two million Indians in the country. They want to know why they are treated like third-class citizens."

Kulasegaran said peaceful rallies and demonstrations are allowed around the world when people want to show dissatisfaction with their government.

"Only those who are not well educated will use force on the people of their own country," he said.

He also said that the government, instead of brushing aside the significance of the rally, should look into the issues raised.

He urged the government to challenge Hindraf's allegations if it does not agree with the coalition

'Listen to them'

Met later at the Parliament lobby, Kulasegaran expressed disappointment over police handling of the crowd on Sunday.

"The teargas canisters were handled by very young policemen who shot these directly into the crowd," he said, adding that several people were injured by the canisters.

"All these could have been prevented if the police had granting a permit for the rally."

He urged the government to form a special commission of inquiry to look into incidents that occurred on Sunday, as well as into the marginalisation of Indians and other minority groups.

"If the government fails to do so, it would further frustrate the minority communities and make them believe that they have been sidelined," he added.