(AFP) Lokman Adam, a member of the National Justice Party (Keadilan), was arrested under a controversial security law just after midnight following a party meeting in Shah Alam west of the capital.

He is the ninth opposition supporter to be held in the past fortnight under the Internal Security Act (ISA), which allows indefinite detention without trial.

"I do not understand the need to detain our party members. This is a peaceful country," said party secretary-general Anuar Tahir today.

All nine are supporters of jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim and seven of them belong to Keadilan, which is headed by Anwar's wife.

Lokman is secretary of the party's youth wing.

Anuar described the arrests as an attempt to frighten off potential opposition supporters. "I think their attempts will not succeed. We will continue with our activities," he said.

Back allegations with proof

Anuar said the government should back its allegations against them with proof in open court.

"By detaining these young people for being fiery anti-government speakers is unfair. Denying them access to families and lawyers is unacceptable," he said.

Chandra Muzaffar, Keadilan deputy president, said the prolongation of the arrests seemed to be "part of a game" by the authorities.

"They wait a few days and arrest someone else. This is part of their strategy to keep everyone in suspense," he said.

"It helps to perpetuate the fear syndrome in society," said Chandra, who was himself detained under the ISA in 1987. He said there was "no indication" when the arrests would stop.

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and police chief Norian Mai have said the detentions are not politically motivated. They say Anwar's supporters planned to use explosives and weapons in street demonstrations to topple the government.

No evidence of this has so far been made public.

Chandra said the fact that no reasons were given for the arrests "makes people suspicious that there are political motives".

'Not political prosecution'

Deputy Information Minister Khalid Yunus said the ISA was meant to ensure national security.

"It is not political prosecution. We never misuse it," he said, adding that some government officials had been detained in the past.

The ISA was originally designed to fight a communist rebellion half a century ago during British rule. Amnesty International and local rights groups and lawyers have strongly criticised its use this month.

Lawyers for five of the detainees have applied for "habeas corpus" writs against Norian, who was quoted as saying there would be more arrests.

A judge is due to deliver his ruling on the applications tomorrow.

Anwar, who is serving 15 years in jail after being convicted in separate trials of abuse of power and sodomy, has said he was framed to avert a political challenge to Mahathir. The authorities deny the charge.