Speaking to journalists amid mounting criticism of his leadership, he said there was no need for a state of emergency to be imposed, as has been rumoured.

Nicholas Witchell reports on the violence in Kuala Lumpur

"The situation in the country is still stable. The vast majority of people do not want this kind of activities," he said, referring to the public protests in the capital by supporters of his former Deputy Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim.

Despite such expressions of confidence, the BBC South-East Asia correspondent Simon Ingram says there are clear signs that the authorities are moving to silence those suspected of links to Mr Anwar.

Several more arrests of his supporters have been reported. Mr Anwar was himself arrested on Sunday, the trigger for the demonstrations in Kuala Lumpur.

Wife becomes focus of campaign

The security forces have surrounded the house of his wife, Wan Azizah Ismail, who has emerged as a potential new leader for the political reform movement her husband inspired.

The mother-of-six faces a police investigation over a foreign television interview in which she raised fears for her husband's life.

Mr Anwar was arrested under the Internal Security Act, which provides for detention without trial, but has not been charged although he is under investigation over allegations of sodomy, treason and other crimes which he denies.

Anwar Ibrahim: Arrest triggered riots

Asked when authorities would indict his rival for alleged crimes, Mr Mahathir said: "Yes, I think when the police are good and ready they will charge."

The disturbances did not affect the glittering closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games, seen on television around the world, presided over by Queen Elizabeth.

However, BBC correspondent Simon Ingram says the street violence and political turmoil have cast a long shadow over what should have been a moment of intense pride for Malaysia.