The detention of blogger Nathaniel Tan exemplifies the government's intolerance of dissent, said PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim.

Speaking at the third candlelight vigil held outside the Dang Wangi police district headquarters in recent days, he addressed more than 100 people including Tan's family members and representatives of opposition parties DAP and PAS.

"What has happened is a case of pure intolerance. (The arrest is) to ensure that the young and the professional - even moderates like Nat - will not be tolerated by this corrupt administration under this prime minister and his deputy," Anwar said last night.

"They will not tolerate anyone who is supportive of the opposition or the reformasi agenda. The police force that has been the pride of the country since independence is now directed by those in power. (We urge the government to) deal with the crime rate and not to abuse bright young professionals."

About 15 uniformed police personnel monitored the two-hour vigil organised by PKR from 9pm. A slight drizzle did not deter those present, who waved PKR banners and held up placards calling for Tan's release.

The crowd was more vocal than during the previous vigils, chanting 'Reformasi' and calling for Tan's release in Bahasa Malaysia. About 11am, they dispersed as a group.

Tan serves as secretary of the Foundation for the Future, which Anwar said is supported by governments in the Middle East and Europe and that of the United States. Anwar chairs the foundation.

Tan, also the PKR webmaster, was picked up by the police last Friday, and is being investigated under Section 8 of the Official Secrets Act 1972 in relation to a comment left on his blog site. He is expected to be released today after being in remand since Saturday.

It is believed that the comment was related to a recent corruption allegation against Deputy Internal Security Minister Mohd Johari Baharum, who has since been cleared of any wrongdoing.

'Angry and annoyed'

Meanwhile, PKR information bureau chief Tian Chua said he was "annoyed" at Tan's arrest and called it government intimidation.

"I feel somewhat angry and annoyed because this is a form of harassment. The tactics of intimidation, I guess, is to frighten young people so they would not come forward. I'm glad that Nat is a courageous person," he said.

"From what I know ... he has been maintaining himself in good spirits, so I think he would come out a stronger person. I don't think he would succumb to the pressure," he added

Tian further described Tan as "soft spoken, very enthusiastic and a very idealistic person".

"He has a lot of ideas and comes out with many proposals all the time. He always wants to bring improvement to the activities of the party," he said.

Tan began working with the party's information bureau six months ago, taking care of party affiliated websites and blogs as well as carrying out research into current issues.

Tan was recently tasked to manage the online version of the party's news organ, Suara Keadilan.

Watch the four-minute video here.