(AFP) Malaysians campaigning for the repeal of a controversial security law protested today outside the detention camp where four opposition activists are being held without trial.

Riot police armed with batons guarded the camp at Kamunting, 192 km northwest of Kuala Lumpur, as protesters sang songs and displayed banners demanding the repeal of the Internal Security Act (ISA).

Demonstrators travelled to the camp in a convoy of cars bearing anti-ISA stickers. Activist Irene Fernandez said police stopped about 15 cars en route and took details of drivers but no arrests were reported.

Families of the four detainees, who could be held for up to two years, visited them. Fernandez said the detainees were in good spirits.

"Their message was to continue the struggle and that the old man (Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad) must be brought down," she said.

She said about 300 people took part in today's protest. The figure could not immediately be confirmed.

Fourth demonstrations

It was the fourth demonstration in six days against the ISA. Several hundred people rallied yesterday near the house of Home Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who signed the detention orders.

Protests against the feared ISA have mounted following the detention of 10 supporters of jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim in April.

Four of these are in Kamunting, four have been freed and two are still undergoing an initial 60-day interrogation period in police custody.

Mahathir and police chief Norian Mai have justified the arrests on the grounds that Anwar's supporters planned to overthrow the government in violent street demonstrations.

Opponents of the ISA law, including the US State Department, say it is being used to suppress peaceful opposition to Mahathir's 20-year rule.

Anwar is serving a total of 15 years in prison for abuse of power and sodomy. He says he was framed to avert a political challenge to Mahathir, who says Anwar received fair trials.