(AFP) The opposition will launch a signature campaign to demand the release of eight people held under a draconian security law.

Hamdan Taha, vice-youth chief of Keadilan said the signatures would be handed to the government to protest the Internal Security Act (ISA).

"It will show that the people do not endorse the use of ISA on political activists and civilians," he said in a statement today.

Police arrested another leading Keadilan activist yesterday, the eighth to be held under the ISA in 10 days, and said more arrests were planned.

Badrul Amin Bahron was held at his home early yesterday morning under the ISA, which allows indefinite detention without trial. Badrul Amin, 39, is a member of Keadilan's supreme council and a former law lecturer at the International Islamic University.

On April 10 and 11 police used the ISA to arrest seven reformasi activists, five of whom were also Keadilan members.

Amnesty International, local rights groups and lawyers have strongly criticised the use of the law.

Nationwide campaign

Hamdan said the political wing of Keadilan would travel nationwide to explain to its supporters the government's motives behind the arrests. He did not elaborate.

"While we wait to see what would be the outcome of the ISA detention, we will not remain silent," he said.

National police chief Norian Mai said last week that supporters of the reformasi movement planned violent protests, including the use of explosives and weapons, to topple Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's government.

Mahathir has repeated the allegations but opposition leaders have challenged the authorities to provide proof of any such intentions.

Keadilan deputy president Chandra Muzaffar described the ISA - originally passed to defeat a communist revolt half a century ago - as "draconian and obnoxious".