Street protests aimed at toppling the government run contrary to democracy practice, said former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said the action also portrayed that those involved did not understand the parameters of freedom in expressing dissatisfaction.

Many countries, especially new countries which are still familiarising with democratic practice, failed to develop and thrive due to misuse of democracy, he added.

"In old democracies like in Europe or America, if people are dissatisfied with the government that was elected by the majority, they wait until the general election again to topple it.

"That's why their countries are peaceful, quiet and well-developed," he told reporters after delivering a keynote address at the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers XXVI General Assembly and REKA Congress 2014 here Thursday.

He was commenting on the Anti-Goods and Service Tax (GST) rally in the capital today.

Mahathir asked the people whether they wanted to live in peace and harmony or in upheaval due to predilections of a few.

In his keynote address, Mahathir urged industry players to be more creative in producing works that reflected the Malaysian identity and world heritage while their designs should take into account local climate so as not to cause problems in future.