Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today that "normal laws" were not used to detain the seven reformasi activists arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA), as it would require evidence, and the following of certain procedures and processes.

"I suppose from the police point of view, it would not have been effective in preventing something from happening, if it were to happen eventually," he said, adding that "prevention" is to stop undesirable events that have not happened yet.

Under the ISA, an individual can be held without trial and the act is usually invoked against those who threaten the security of the country. Mahathir said the present government feels that the ISA has proven to be useful as a preventive measure.

"There is no point (in taking actions) after the damage is done and when people are killed. For those injured and killed, and for those who cannot do their business anymore, actions taken after, will be too late," said Mahathir at a press conference at the Technology Park in Kuala Lumpur..

He said police decided to quell the April 14 demonstration as such demonstrations "invariably result in violence and we would not know what kind of damage can be done".

"Those arrested under the ISA will be detained for 60 days. After 60 days, if it is found that they (the detainees) still threaten the security of the country, they will be detained for two years. Otherwise, they will be released," added the prime minister.

Democratic process

Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Norian Mai said that among the 'militant-style' tactics employed by the reformasi movement was "taking various steps to get explosives, including bombs and grenade launchers".

However, when asked on this, Mahathir said he does not know if there is evidence concerning the explosives as alleged.

"I do not know. That is up to the police. I do not know if they have the explosives or not but there have been instances where 'molotov cocktails' were made," said Mahathir.

On the statement issued by Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) criticising the use of ISA, the Mahathir said: "Suhakam is not responsible for the security of this country. The police is responsible."

Regarding the arrest being confined to mainly opposition members, Mahathir said the detainees just so "happened to be in the opposition."

Elaborating further, the prime minister said: "We accept legitimate opposition people who use normal democratic procedures. We do not think demonstrations and use of violence constitute the democratic process.

"We stress on the basic rights of the majority. We cannot emphasise the basic rights of a small group of people with certain intentions of their own," said Mahathir, adding that there will be more arrests in coming days.

Media lashing

Mahathir also lashed out at the foreign media when asked about Malaysia's image on the international platform in the wake of the ISA arrests.

"The foreign media will bash us. They never have anything good to say even if we are very nice. We have a duty towards our people and the country - they can go and cry their faces."

Soon after this, the prime minister turned his attention on a malaysiakini reporter who had asked him to comment on Suhakam's call to immediately release the ISA detainees and charge them in court.

Mahathir who refused to comment on the Suhakam issue, opted to criticise malaysiakini instead. He said the news website was working for a foreign agent, George Soros.

"You can tell Mr Soros not to come and interfere in the politics of this country," he told the reporter.

Proof needed

Meanwhile, Mahathir who also commented on the Umno division elections, said that those who had lost in the party polls should give way to those who are victorious.

Mahathir, who is also the party's president, added that if there is any proof of corruption in the party then Umno will definitely take action.

A police report was lodged recently by Beserah state assemblyman Fauzi Abdul Rahman against Information Minister and Umno secretary-general Khalil Yaakob alleging that the latter had misappropriated state funds during his tenure as Pahang menteri besar.

"We hear stories, but when we look for proof, there is no proof. We cannot take action merely based on allegations, said Mahathir.

Earlier Mahathir officiated the launching of "Silverfil" - a Malaysian invention by dentist Dr S Radhakrishnan.

Silverfil, is said to be the first dental filling which is able to naturally absorb the mercury, stopping it from leaking into the body and making such fillings a safer option.