The government has rejected renewed US criticism of its crackdown on mass protests, saying Washington did not understand the situation here.

The United States on Monday called on Malaysia to allow freedom of expression and assembly as the government of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi widened its crackdown on dissent.

"We have repeatedly raised with Malaysian authorities our belief that citizens of any country should be allowed to peacefully assemble and express their views," State Department spokeswoman Nancy Beck told AFP .

"We also stated in our annual human rights report our belief that the Malaysian government places significant restrictions on the right to assemble peacefully," she said.

But Foreign Affairs Minister Syed Hamid Albar yesterday said Malaysia was merely applying its laws, under which police permits are required for public assemblies of five or more people.

"People want to get together within the law, if they don't cause problem for the other citizens then we have no problem with that. But if they jeopardise public security or safety, then we take action," he told a press conference.

"So I don't think comment from the US side is a fair comment. I don't think they understand the situation very well."

Briefing diplomats

The first of the mass demonstrations last month drew at least 30,000 people calling for electoral reform. A week later thousands gathered to protest against discrimination against ethnic Indians living here.

The US last week backed their right to assemble, after authorities here used tear gas and water cannon to disperse rare mass rallies.

Dozens of people have been arrested and charged with offences including attempted murder and sedition, in moves condemned by the opposition and human rights groups.

Syed Hamid said he would meet with diplomats today to explain the current situation in Malaysia and the government's actions so far against protesters.