The move by certain quarters to cast doubts on the independence of the country's institutions reflects their anxieties about letting the people determine their fate, the prime minister said.

These groups knew they had no support from the people and had to resort to casting doubts on the integrity of these institutions, Najib Abdul Razak said.

However, they were silent on the fact that they too had achieved success under these institutions, he said in a clear reference to the opposition coalition.

The danger, Najib said, was that when the integrity of these institutions were in doubt and they become successful in achieving their political ambitions under these institutions, their success would be questioned and doubted.

"The opposition should not only dare to hide behind street violence, but also be courageous to compete in a democratic arena, in the market of ideas and in charting out the future agenda for the country in a fair, free and competitive manner," he said when announcing the minimum wage for the private sector in Putrajaya tonight.

The opposition should also be prepared to come under the people's scrutiny and be judged by them based on their vision, ideas, policies, programmes and track record, Najib added.

- Bernama