(AFP) Police Chief Norian Mai today sought to overturn a landmark high court ruling which freed two opposition activists detained for more than seven weeks under a controversial security law.

Norian filed a notice of appeal against yesterday's decision of the High Court in Shah Alam to release N Gobalakrishan and Abdul Ghani Haroon.

Judge Mohamad Hishammuddin Mohamad Yunus ruled that their detention under the Internal Security Act (ISA) was illegal.

The police appeal against Hishammuddin's judgment will be heard at the Federal Court at a date to be fixed, Bernama news agency said.

News of the police move came as the pair held tearful family reunions on their first full day of freedom.

They were among 10 supporters of jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim who were arrested since April 10 under the ISA.

Gobalakrishnan returned today to his home in the northern state of Penang and Abdul Ghani to his in neighbouring Kedah state.

"I thank God for his release and I am really happy. My children were crying when they saw him, I just don't know how to describe my feelings then," said Abdul Ghani's wife, Roslija Syed.

She said her husband spent time with their five children and received a stream of visitors.

Slight cold

Apart from a slight cold, Roslija said he was in "good condition."

"As far as I know, he is still the same person and thank God, he is healthy. He said the police treated him very well and that he is in good condition," she said.

Gobalakrishnan's wife, Vasanthi Ramalingam, said their three children were sobbing when they first saw him this afternoon.

She said her husband's brothers and sisters were also there to greet him and they later held a special prayer session to mark his release.

"He doesn't want to say anything much about his detention. He has lost weight, other than that there is physically no abuse. Mentally he is very tired but he is okay, he is fine," she added.

There were no immediate signs the two men would be rearrested under ISA despite widespread anticipation of this after the landmark court ruling. The judge barred police from re-arresting them for at least 24 hours.

Judge Mohamad Hishammuddin Mohamad Yunus also suggested that the ISA be scrapped or at least be reviewed to minimise any abuses.