The Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, has condemned international press coverage of unrest in the country, saying a serious political problem was being made much worse.

Speaking at a conference of the Commonwealth Press Union in Kuala Lumpur, Dr Mahathir accused the foreign media of supporting attempts to overthrow his government.

He said they gave the impression he was a dictator.

His comments come two days after protesters clashed with police in Kuala Lumpur.

It was the most violent confrontation since demonstrations began five weeks ago in support of the former deputy prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim.

He's in jail accused of corruption and sexual offences.