PENAMPANG, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi described the action by the opposition in handing over a memorandum on the country's election process to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as an attempt to drag the royal institution into politics.

"However, I believe the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is wise and will not be taken in by their tactics," he told reporters after opening Parti Bersatu Sabah's 22nd Congress here today.

Abdullah said this in reaction to yesterday's street demonstration organised by the Coalition for Clean and fair Elections (Bersih) in Kuala Lumpur during which 10 of its representatives, including Opposition chief Lim Kit Siang, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, PKR president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang handed the memorandum to an official at Istana Negara.

On the illegal gathering, Abdullah said that he was leaving the matter to the police to handle.

"The police handled the demonstration very well and I'm very happy. We don't like things like this to happen. It is a burden to the police, in order to control the situation, they have set up road blocks which inconveniences to the public.

"The police discharged their responsibilities. This illegal gathering is not helping the people ... many are angry," he added.

In SHAH ALAM, Selangor Menteri besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Khir Toyo described the demonstration as the work of "desperados".

"However, it will be counter-productive for them as they have only caused difficulties for the people, who only want to see peace in the country.

"It (demonstration) has also smeared the image of Islam as the religion prohibits such an action," he told reporters here today.

He had earlier opened a treasure-hunt programme organised by the Selangor's Permanent Committee for Women's affairs.

-- BERNAMA