A TOP Malaysian security official has said that it is 'only a matter of time' before more people are detained under the Internal Security Act, adding that the police has submitted a list of names to the government.
Deputy Internal Security Minister Johari Baharum did not say how many people were on the list or name any of them.
The announcement follows the arrest under the ISA last week of five leaders of the Hindu Rights Action Front, who had led a protest of thousands of Indians onto the streets of Kuala Lumpur on Nov 25 to demand government help for the community.
Datuk Johari was quoted as saying: 'We will not tolerate anyone who threatens the security of the country.
'It does not matter if they are professionals, civil servants or members of non-governmental organisations and religious groups.'
He said those on the list had been involved in organising gatherings with racial undertones.
Datuk Johari also warned anyone spreading rumours of racial clashes that the ISA could also be used against them.
He was quoted by AFP as saying: 'My advice to those who organise street protests and rumour mongers who circulate text messages - stop it. If your don't, we will not hesitate to use the ISA.'
Kuala Lumpur was calm as usual on Sunday despite text messages claiming that Malays would stage a demonstration in response to last month's mass rally by Indians.
But it appeared to be business as usual in Kampung Baru on Sunday, except for a police roadblock near the neighbourhood mosque.
Dozens of policemen in uniform and plain clothes kept a watch on the area.
Dang Wangi district police chief Zulkarnain Abdul Rahman said there was no gathering.
'Our 48-hour surveillance in and around Kampung Baru showed no sign of any gathering,' he told reporters.
Several hundred activists, however, did gather near the Kamunting detention centre in Perak where the five Hindraf leaders are being held.
The group demanded the release of the five leaders, and had gathered at a nearby temple after police closed the roads leading to the camp.
Their spokesman, Mr R.S. Thanenthiran, was quoted by AFP as saying that those detained were not terrorists.
The gathering was also in support of 31 Indians arrested outside the Batu Caves temple in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 25, where they clashed with police as they gathered to join the protest in the city. They were accused of attempted murder of a policeman, and have been denied bail.
Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi said on Saturday that the group had voiced regret over their participation in the rally to Attorney-General Gani Patail.
Read the full report in Monday's edition of The Straits Times.
http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest%2...8.html?vgnmr=1
Malaysia ready to arrest more people under ISA 
Linear Mode
