A Malaysian activist shouts slogans from a police truck after being arrested during a protest against a price increase on goods and services in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008. Police detained at least 22 activists Saturday in a crackdown on an opposition-led protest meant to highlight public grievances over inflation ahead of national elections expected within weeks. (AP Photo/Lai Seng Sin)
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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Malaysian police detained at least 40 activists Saturday in a crackdown on a planned opposition-led protest over inflation ahead of national elections expected within weeks.
Opposition groups wanted to hold the rally Saturday outside Kuala Lumpur's landmark Petronas Twin Towers to demand that the government forego a likely fuel price hike and prevent the cost of essential goods from rising.
Authorities said organizers had not applied for the legally required permission to hold a public demonstration. Opposition leaders said their application would probably have been rejected, noting that police had prevented several street demonstrations since November.
Police and a truck with a water cannon stood ready Saturday as more than 100 demonstrators tried to gather near the towers. Some shouted "Reformasi," the Malay word for "reform."
Witnesses and journalists at the scene said authorities detained at least 40 people. Other would-be demonstrators lingered in the area for more than an hour before dispersing peacefully.
"The leadership is paranoid," opposition activist Nasir Hashim told reporters. "There is no justice, no democracy."
Authorities have been wary of street protests in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's largest city, after two rallies in November drew tens of thousands of people demanding electoral reforms and racial equality. Police used water cannons and tear gas to quell both rallies.
Rising prices of essential items and services, such as food and transportation, are among voters' key concerns ahead of general elections that are widely expected to be held in March.
According to government data released earlier this week, the consumer price index rose 2.4 percent in December 2007 from a year earlier _ the fastest pace since a 3.1 percent increase last February _ mostly because of higher food and transportation costs.
On Friday, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told CNN that Malaysians appear to be ready for general elections _ in his clearest indication so far that he plans to call early polls soon.
The ruling National Front's current five-year mandate only expires in mid-2009. The coalition _ which has governed Malaysia since 1957 _ is expected to easily retain power.
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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