(AFP) - Malaysian opposition groups today said they would go ahead with tomorrow's gatherings in support of jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim despite a police ban and warnings of tough action.

Anwar's wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said she would lead a delegation of about 20 members of parliament and opposition leaders to submit a memorandum on human rights abuses including her husband's plight to the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam).

Wan Azizah, who heads the National Justice Party (Keadilan), said they were undeterred by the arrest of seven activists this week under the tough Internal Security Act (ISA), which allows indefinite detention without trial.

"It is a peaceful gathering to hand in the memorandum and Suhakam has already agreed to accept it. It will go on," she said.

Tomorrow, known as "Black 14" by the opposition, marks the second anniversary of Anwar's sentencing to six years' jail for abuse of power. He is also serving nine more years after being convicted of sodomy.

On the run

Sanusi Abdullah, a Keadilan youth executive committee member, said he expected some 5,000 people to turn up at the Suhakam office.

He said some 15 committee members including himself are on the run from police to avoid arrest.

"We have some information that the committee members would be arrested today to prevent the gathering from taking place. We are all hiding from police but we will be there tomorrow," he said.

National police chief Norian Mai said on Wednesday the ISA arrests were to forestall a 50,000-strong gathering which could have turned into a riot.

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said yesterday police had evidence that activists planned a violent protest including the use of explosives.

Police have declared tomorrow's gathering illegal.

Kuala Lumpur police have strengthened security in the city and are "prepared to use force against the demonstrators if necessary," senior official Bakri Zinin was quoted by The Sun newspaper as saying.

Roadblocks mounted

Police in southern Malacca state have also mounted roadblocks to block people from attending Saturday's gathering, the daily said.

The US embassy in Kuala Lumpur advised its citizens to avoid areas in the city centre where demonstrations are planned.

Defence Minister Najib Razak said there were attempts by reformasi activists to recruit former soldiers to topple the government through street demonstrations.

"No (serving) soldiers are recruited ... but attempts are made to influence those who have left the service," he was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency.

Amnesty International and local rights groups including Suhakam have strongly criticised the use of the ISA, but Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has said it was useful in preventing trouble.