updated version The Internal Security Act has to be used against religious extremists to deter them from carrying out violent acts in the country, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today.

Mahathir said the government was aware that there were some PAS members involved in these extremist groups, who have been trained and have fought for the Islamic cause in foreign countries, including for the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

"When we realised that they had the intention to use violence here, we had to act ... we will not allow this in our country. That's why they're put under detention," he explained.

Mahathir was speaking at a press conference after officiating the MCA annual general meeting (AGM) at Wisma MCA, Kuala Lumpur.

The premier was commenting on yesterday's ISA detention of eight people, including four PAS members, for allegedly being members of the Kumpulan Mujahiddin Malaysia. Police said the "extremist outfit had wanted to wage a holy war".

Police swoop

When asked about the role of PAS in the "militant activities" of its members, Mahathir said that although some of the party's members subscribe to the constitutional struggle, there are some extremists in the party who are not in favour of the democratic process in the country.

"They are happier using violence to topple the government," he added.

The premier claimed these people are those who felt that the democratic process was too slow or might not help them in toppling the government.

The arrests yesterday were a follow-up to a police swoop on the group since May. Police then arrested nine members of the group suspected of involvement in nine crimes over the past two years - including robbery and bombing a church and an Indian temple - to create a purist Islamic society.

Norian said there could be more arrests as investigations showed the 'foreign-inspired' group had more than 50 members in Malaysia.

The ISA arrests followed a ban on open-air political gatherings imposed two weeks ago on grounds of national security.