(AFP) Two supporters of jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim held under Malaysia's draconian Internal Security Act (ISA) are in good health, their lawyer said today.

"Tian Chua and Ezam Mohamad Nor are in good condition and are healthy," their lawyer CV Prabhakaran said.

Family members and rights groups had raised concerns about their welfare and safety.

Tian is the National Justice party (Keadilan) vice-president while Ezam is the party's youth chief. The party is led by Anwar's wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

The two are currently being held under ISA, which allows indefinite detention without trial, together with four other opposition activists, on charges they are a threat to national security.

The pair are being held in Kamunting detention centre in the northern state of Perak after Home Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi signed orders interning them and other opposition members for up to two years.

Court charges

Earlier Monday Tian and Ezam had been taken to Kulim in Kedah state to face court charges of rioting and wrongful confinement of buses carrying alleged ruling Barisan Nasional phantom voters during a parliamentary by-election last November, Bernama news agency said.

However, Prabhakaran said court hearing had been adjourned to Oct 22.

If found guilty, the two face up to three years imprisonment and a fine.

Protests against the ISA have mounted since the April 10 detention of 10 supporters of Anwar. Two were released by police and another two by a court order.

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and police chief Norian Mai have said Anwar's supporters planned to use weapons during violent street demonstrations to topple the government.

No evidence of this has been made public. Opponents of the law, including the US State Department and rights groups, say it is being used to stifle peaceful dissent to Mahathir's 20-year rule.

Anwar is serving a total of 15 years in prison for abuse of power and sodomy. He says he was framed to avert a political challenge to Mahathir, who denies the allegation.