The denial of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad on the signing of Internal Security Act (ISA) detention orders is a lie, alleged Umno supreme council member Tajuddin Abdul Rahman.

He said Mahathir's disclaimer was untrue as only the home minister, a post which Mahathir also held, could issue the detention order.

He said Mahathir's move in trying to push away responsibility to then deputy home minister, Megat Junid Megat Ayob, was not fair.

"I was an ISA detainee who was interrogated in 1987 during Operasi Lalang. I believe that Mahathir issued the order for detention.

"As a detainee, I was informed that so long as the home minister did not sign the release letter in 60 days, I could not be released," he told reporters after opening the Bayan Baru Puteri and Umno Youth division meetings in George Town.

In a report on Wednesday, Mahathir denied allegations linking his name to the person responsible for signing ISA detention orders.

Mahathir said Megat Fairouz Junaidi, the son of former deputy home minister, Megat Junid Megat, should be more aware.

Megat Fairouz had earlier wanted Mahathir to stop accusing his late father, as the individual responsible for signing the ISA detention orders.

Tajuddin hopes the Home Ministry or police could open the files as confirmation on the issue.

"All questions will be answered if Home Ministry or police could open their old files to clarify the matter," he said.

Tajuddin said the attempt by Mahathir to detach himself from ISA issue may be due to his political alliance with the opposition such as DAP, PKR and Amanah.

"Mahathir is trying to push the responsibility to other people in an attempt to clear his name of the ISA," he added.

- Bernama