A rights group today urged the government to immediately release nine alleged Muslim militants detained under a tough security law for almost four years.

The nine were arrested under Malaysia's notorious Internal Security Act (ISA) between August and October 2001 and accused of trying to overthrow the government, the Abolish ISA Movement said in a statement.

"It is coming to four years since the nine were detained. If the government has evidence as alleged, why are they being held and not being charged in court," it said.

Among those detained are Nik Adli Nik Abdul Aziz, the son of Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, the spiritual leader of opposition Islamic Party PAS and chief minister of Kelantan.

PAS youth leaders

The other eight detainees are PAS youth leaders and a Muslim religious scholar.

The ISA, originally designed to combat a communist rebellion half a century ago, allows for two-year detention periods without trial, which can be renewed indefinitely.

Critics charge that the law, which has been used to arrest more than 10,000 people since 1960, is used to crush political dissent. The government maintains it is an essential tool against terrorism.

Government figures released in February show Malaysia is currently holding 102 people in detention under the ISA, more than 80 of whom are suspected Islamic militants.