Deputy Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today labelled those who use 'extra-constitutional' means to overthrow the government as terrorists in addition to groups which seek to achieve their political objectives through militant attacks.

"The Malaysian government agrees that groups intending to overthrow governments through extra-constitutional means or introduce a new system of governance through militant attacks are terrorists," Abdullah said at the opening of an Asean ministerial meeting on terrorism in Kuala Lumpur today.

It is unclear whether Abdullah, who is also home minister, was referring to the street protests organised by the opposition over the past years. He, however, did not elaborate on his remarks.

Last April, the police initiated a ISA dragnet against 10 Keadilan and reformasi activists, known to be key organisers of street protests, for alleged involvement in a militant attempt to overthrow the government.

Even though four were released unconditionally, six are still being incarcerated at the Kamunting Detention Centre in Perak. All have denied being engaged in any such activity.

In an immediate reaction, secretary-general Sahri Bahri of opposition party Keadilan said that Abdullah should not try to create fear among the people by making wild allegations and insinuations about the opposition.

"I must stress that our party has always taken the democratic path. Our opposition and criticisms should not be construed as anti-government. We are against terrorism but we are doing our duty in a democratic system to expose wrongdoings of the government.

"These allegations that we are violent are unfounded and if such allegations should arise, they should be backed up by evidence and shown in an open court," Sahri said.

Common legislation

Abdullah's message also might not go down too well with the governments of several Asean countries who assumed power through popular unrest and dissatisfaction.

Thailand's pro-democracy forces rose in May 1992 but faced severe retaliation by a pro-military government, while the downfall of the Suharto regime in Indonesia was the result of demonstrating students and popular uprising.

Filipino president Gloria Arroyo was also helped by Manila's second "people's power" uprising which overthrew Joseph Estrada.

In his speech, Abdullah conceded that it was tough to get a common definition of terrorism as Asean was "not in one mind on certain issues."

"I hope that we can find some common ground during this gathering. We have to ensure that Asean agencies are given the necessary support to forge a united front against terror," he said.

According to Abdullah, terrorism was born out of the dissatisfaction of a few.

"Sometimes terrorists have no further avenues to justice left open to them, they become angry, frustrated and see terror as their only way out of despair.

"Sometimes legal avenues are open to them to mobilise for change but they resort to terror because they know that the majority of their fellow countrymen reject theirs," Abdullah said.

Religious extremists

"Today, religious extremists want to replace a democratic, moderate and participatory governance with their skewed interpretation of a theocratic state," Abdullah said.

The government has stepped up its clampdown on alleged Islamic militants after the Sept 11 attacks on the US.

Scores are being detained under the Internal Security Act, which allows for indefinite detention without trial, for alleged involvement with the Malaysian Mujahidin Group, or known in its Malay acronym as KMM.

Among them was Nik Adli, son of PAS' spiritual advisor and Kelantan Mentri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

At a press conference later, Abdullah suggested that Asean adopt a common legislation to combat terrorism.

"We have some kind of legislation and cooperation to combat drug trafficking and a similar approach can be used to combat terrorism," he added.

The two-day meeting ends tomorrow.