The four main opposition parties in Malaysia the Democratic Action Party, the Islamic party, the Malaysian People's Party, and the Malaysian Socialist Party say they have formed a joint front to safeguard freedom of speech and assembly, to be called the Council for Justice, Freedom, Democracy and Good Governance.

The move comes after Malaysian police banned three public meetings; one had been called by a consumer rights group to discuss the current water rationing imposed in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur.

Correspondents say there's been increasing unease in Malaysia over government attempts to discourage public discussion of a wide range of issues, including smog, drought and other environmental issues, as well as the economic crisis.

The Malaysian Trades Union Congress and other non-government groups are expected to express similar concerns in a statement tomorrow.