Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today warned that there will more arrests of those involved in militant groups, and said members of "at least one political party" are veering towards militancy.

"Once we identify them, we will definitely put them under arrests. We will not allow people with such ideas floating around," the premier told a press conference after officiating the 30th Gerakan national conference in Kuala Lumpur.

While denying that militancy is confined only to political parties, Mahathir however said the government has identified one party whose members are leaning towards militancy.

"There is one party which is supported by militants and does not believe in democracy," said Mahathir in his opening speech earlier.

While the prime minister did not name the political party, it was obvious that he was referring to the Muslim-based PAS opposition.

"DAP had better not play with fire as its ally will ruin whatever democratic actions it has preached," he added, alluding to the ties between the two opposition parties which was recently severed by the Chinese-based DAP.

Last month, police arrested 10 people, mostly PAS members, who were allegedly responsible for a spate of bank robberies, the bombing of a church and a temple, and the assassination of a Barisan Nasional state assemblyman.

According to an AFP report, nine of them, alleged to be members of the Malaysian Mujahidin Group (KMM), were sent to the Kamunting Detention Centre in Perak last Tuesday, while one was placed under the Restricted Residence Act and confined to the state of Johor.

However, Deputy Home Minister Zainal Abidin Zin told Berita Harian today that only one individual, Nik Adli Nik Aziz - son of Kelantan Mentri Besar and PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz - had been sent to Kamunting, while the rest were still under police investigation.

PAS worried

Following the terrorist attacks in the United States on Sept 11, PAS leaders have recently voiced its concern that the Muslim party may be equated with radicalism and turned into target of more arrests.

Party secretary-general Nasharudin Mat Isa told malaysiakini on Wednesday that his party has never given its blessings to any militant groups even if they are party members.

"We have always adhered to democratic practise since the establishment of the party and will continue to do so," he said.

Nasharudin, however, conceded the party is worried that the BN-led government may capitalise on the current situation and take action against PAS.

"The government has always equated us with radicalism and we are prepared to face the situation where they arrest our members without evidence." he said.

Malaysia already an Islamic state

Meanwhile, Mahathir said Malaysia is an Islamic state even though it does not implement hudud laws as advocated by PAS.

"Umno would say this straight-forward, that we are an Islamic state. If Malaysia is not an Islamic state just because it does not implement hudud laws, then there is no Islamic state in the world," said Mahathir who is also the leader of Umno - the largest, Malay-based party in the ruling coalition.

However, he stressed that the declaration does not mean that Umno is playing into the hands of PAS, a party which is known to be dedicated to establishing a governance based on Islamic teachings.

"PAS is trying to cheat the voters. They said they will only spell out their Islamic state when the party comes into power. But Umno is honest with the people," he said.

He said Umno maintained that non-Muslims in the country will continue to practise religious freedom and there should not be chaos and coercion on them.