Malaysia detains Ashaari's brother

Malaysia detains Ashaari's brother

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian police have arrested a brother of the once-powerful leader of the outlawed Al Arqam Islamic sect, as they widened an investigation into alleged attempts to revive the movement.

Police arrested Hashim Muhammad, the younger brother of former Al Arqam leader Ashaari Muhammad, at his house in Rawang on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur late on Sunday, Bernama news agency reported.

Ashaari's third wife Khadijah Aam, 42, and one of his sons Mohamed Nizammudin, who is in his 30s, were also picked up by police last week.

A total of 12 people have now been detained without trial under Malaysia's tough security laws for supposedly trying to breathe new life into the movement.