Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Mohd Johari Baharum said a list of names had been submitted by the police and it was only a matter of time before several others were detained under the Internal Security Act, that allows indefinite detention without trial.

While refusing to divulge the number and names of those to be detained, Johari said the action was necessary. “We will not tolerate anyone who threatens the security of the country,” Johari said.

On the detention of the five Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders, who have been sent to the Kamunting detention centre in Taiping for two years, Johari said police had conducted investigations on the movement, the New Straits Times reported on Sunday. The government has alleged that Hindraf had links with international terrorist organisations, including the LTTE.

“I hope there would not be any more demonstrations for the sake of other peace-loving Malaysians.”
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan, warned the public not to be taken in by text messages alleging that race riots would take place in Kampung Baru.

The messages stated that a gathering of Malays is being planned “in retaliation” to the rally organised by Hindraf last month, the paper said.

Indians pray

Braving government pressure, hundreds of ethnic-Indians on Sunday converged near the Kamuntang  detention centre and “prayed” for the release of all those arrested for taking part in protests against alleged marginalisation of the community.

As police sealed all roads leading to the camp in Perak state, the people chose to hold prayers at a nearby temple and released 36 doves, one for each detainee.