Organisers of a rally protesting the treatment of ethnic Indians in Malaysia said today they would proceed with their demonstration here over the weekend, though police had banned it.

Activists plan to gather thousands of people on Sunday in front of the British mission to denounce what they say is discrimination and marginalisation of Indians in Malaysia, said P Waythamoorthy, chairman of Hindraf, the group organising the protest.

Since Thursday, police have set up roadblocks in the capital's narrow streets, and on Friday, three Hindraf leaders, including Waythamoorthy, were arrested but later freed on bail.

"This goes to show the government of Malaysia is trying to frustrate our attempts at getting justice," said Waythamoorthy before he was detained. "The planned protest to hand a memorandum to the British government will continue."

Organisers intend to submit a petition to the British mission asking Queen Elizabeth II to appoint a Queen's Counsel to represent Indian Malaysians in a US$4 trillion lawsuit against Britain.

They are seeking the compensation for the estimated two million Malaysian Indians whose ancestors were brought to the country in the 1800s as part of British imperial expansion.

Roadblocks to 'stop troublemakers'

Ismail Omar, deputy inspector general of police, said the Hindraf leaders were arrested under the Sedition Act and that at least 4,000 police officers will be deployed on Sunday to ensure public order.

"I advise the public especially supporters not to attend the event on Sunday. Roadblocks have been set up in Kuala Lumpur and the main reason is to detain troublemakers," he said.

Opposition lawmakers have demanded police end the street blockade and allow the peaceful rally.

Police have also warned that protesters may raise sensitive racial issues, which could spark clashes.

The rally, if it happens, will be Malaysia's second street demonstration in a month.

The earlier protest attracted some 40,000 people who rallied for electoral reforms, with some being hit with tear gas and water canon by police.

Ethnic Indians, mainly Tamils, account for eight percent of Malaysia's population. About 80 percent of them are working class and lack skills, money and education.