``The situation in Kuala Lumpur is calm. It is peaceful ... as usual. The roads are open to traffic and police are not stationed at Merdeka Square," a police official here told AFP. ``The public can go to the Merdeka Square if they want to. But do not go there and demonstrate,'' he added.

Later on Sunday, the Opposition Islamic party, Parti Se-Islam Malaysia (PAS) was to hold a gathering at the party's headquarters on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. Officials said a large turnout was expected. A supporter of Anwar however said the government should not link the demonstrations in the capital to Anwar and his detention, saying, ``I do not know who is instigating the public.'' ``We are using the legal approach. It is not our strategy to use force or to demonstrate,'' he said, asking not to benamed and stressing they would fight Anwar's case through legal means not violence.

Anwar was arrested a week ago and is being held under the tough Internal Security Act (ISA) which allows for indefinite detention without trial. He has had no contact with his family or lawyers since September 20.

Police stormed his home which had become a focal point for supporters since he was ousted as finance minister and deputy premier on September 2. But his detention has failed to deter his supporters. On Saturday, thousands of Malaysians defied a ban on mass public gatherings to stage a protest in the second consecutive day of unrest. Riot police again used water cannon to disperse crowds at Merdeka Square.

Lim Kit Siang, Opposition leader on Sunday pressed the government to immediately produce and charge Anwar in a court of law and release him from detention to allow enough time to prepare a defence to clear his name at an open trial. ``I do not believe Malaysians can accept that the maintenance of law and orderhas deteriorated to the extent that the authorities are unable to charge Anwar in an open court because there will be a total breakdown of law and order,'' he added.