Opposition mounts against Mahathir

Opposition mounts against Mahathir

KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Opposition leaders said on Sunday they
would file a police report and lawsuit against Prime Minister
Mahathir Mohamad, demanding that the Attorney General charge
Malaysia's ruler for spreading "vicious rumors" and inciting
fear.

The move was meant to stop the government from accusing its
rivals of plotting violent protests in the Malaysian capital to
oust Mahathir, said National Justice Party officials.

Mahathir earlier this month warned that the Justice Party
might stage a riot in Kuala Lumpur to mark the first anniversary
of jailed politician Anwar Ibrahim's conviction.

The prime minister alleged that Anwar's supporters were ready
to carry weapons and sticks to beat up security forces.

Last weekend, hundreds of Malaysians defied the warning and
demonstrated in downtown Kuala Lumpur. Scores of policemen in
riot gear chased, beat and arrested many protesters but found no
weapons on any of them, except for a toy gun.