(AFP) updated version

Nine alleged Islamic militants suspected of having trained in Afghanistan have been ordered detained without trial for two years, police said today.

They are allegedly linked to a "Malaysian Mujahedin Group" said to be waging an Islamic "holy war" and blamed for a spate of crimes including bombing a church and a temple.

"All of them have undergone holy war or military training in Afghanistan," Inspector-General of Police Norian Mai said when they were arrested last month.

The nine were served two-year detention papers yesterday while a tenth person arrested with them was placed under the Restricted Residence Act and confined to Johor, a police spokesman told AFP .

Nik Adli Nik Abdul Aziz, 34, the son of the spiritual leader of opposition PAS Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, is one of those detained.

Seven of the detainees, who are being held under the Internal Security Act (ISA) which allows indefinite detention without trial, are reported to be members of PAS.

Opposition leaders and rights groups have voiced concern that the law is being used to stifle political opposition to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's 20-year rule, a charge he denies.

Toppling government

The government has recently pointed to the September 11 terrorist attacks on the US, allegedly masterminded by Islamic militant Osama bin Laden from his hideout in Afghanistan, as justification for its action.

But even before the assault on New York and Washington, the government was unapologetic over the use of detention without trial, which has in the past been widely condemned by Western countries.

"ISA's role is crucial," said Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

"When dealing with terrorism it is invoked as an initial preventive measure before threats get beyond control."

Mahathir said police had evidence that the detainees received military training abroad and had returned here to topple the government.

"The ISA has to be used against those intending to create chaos and resort to violence in the country. The government has the evidence before taking action," he added.

"If we were to wait until an offence is committed, not only will the people become victims, the problem may no longer be able to be curbed."

The ISA was originally designed to fight a communist rebellion half a century ago.