Inspector-general of police Ismail Omar today confirmed news reports that fresh arrests were made under the Internal Security Act 1960, which the government said will be repealed soon.

A total of 13 were taken in under the Act and not 10 or 11 as reported in today's mainstream newspapers, Ismail said in a brief statement.

"Our intelligence reports and investigation detected efforts to revive a militant movement in Sabah," he said.

NONE Ismail added that the 13, consisting of seven Malaysians and six foreigners, were nabbed in an operation from Nov 14 to 16.

"The (individuals) were arrested under Section 73 (1) of the Internal Security Act 1960.

"If not curbed, their actions can threaten and undermine national security," he said.

Militant school teachers?

However, Gerakan Anti-ISA (GMI) in a statement earlier today said its sources claimed that up to 14 people could have been detained.

It listed the names of only 11, including two who appeared to be brothers - Muhd Adnan Umar (a tuition teacher at MJU Centre) and Muhd Abduh Umar (a lorry driver).

Among the others are SMK Kinabutan Islamic studies teacher Mohd Nazri Dollah, SMK Umar-umas teacher Bakar Baba, MJU Tuition Centre teacher Darto Bandu and poultry trader Yusof Saripuddin.

Also on GMI's list are newspaper distributors Faizal Hamma and Joni @ Muadz.

The NGO also said that the next-of-kin were informed a day after the arrests was made.

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