(AFP) - The Internal Security Act (ISA) may be used against human rights group in a bid to contain dissent ahead of the 2004 elections, an activist said today.

Police detained two students last week under the ISA, which allows detention without trial. The legislation is a successor to a British colonial law passed to battle a communist insurgency.

Elizabeth Wong, secretary-general of the National Human Rights Society (Hakam) said activists were convinced that they would be the next target of the authorities.

"We are quite convinced we will be the next. It will not suprise us," she told AFP.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who celebrates 20 years in power this month, had defended the use of the security act, saying students were not above the law.

The fresh round of arrests under the ISA comes nearly three months after police detained 10 supporters of jailed former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim under the same law.

Four of the 10 have since been freed but six were sent to the Kamunting detention camp in Perak last month to be held for up to two years, sparking widespread outrage and mounting calls for the ISA to be repealed.

The government says the group had been planning violent street protests to topple Mahathir's administration. No evidence has been made public.

In control

Wong said Mahathir wanted to demonstrate that he was still in control and thwart any dissent ahead of the 2004 elections.

"Mahathir wants to nip opposition dissent in the bud," she added.

Wong also said the momentum to secure the release of the ISA detainees would be accelerated.

Yesterday, police dispersed a crowd of about 40 people after they had gathered outside the police headquarters for a candlelight protest against the detention of the two students

"The government will surely face a backlash. We can see a momentum gathering to oppose the ISA," she added.