Five opposition activists held under Malaysia's draconian security laws suffered an early setback today in efforts to secure their release.
Lawyers for the detained - among seven supporters of jailed former Malaysian finance minister Anwar Ibrahim arrested by police last week - failed to have the judge replaced or have the men brought to court.
Defence lawyer Sivarasa Rasiah said those arrested should be present in court to allow their physical condition to be assessed, citing previous cases of torture against people detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
He also suggested High Court Judge Augustine Paul disqualify himself from hearing applications for the detainees' release, saying the judge had sat in the case leading to Mr Anwar's conviction for corruption in April 1999.
But the judge dismissed both arguments, saying it would be frivolous to step aside on the grounds suggested and adding it was highly unusual to order detainees' presence in court for such cases.
Police have accused the seven of having explosives and planning riots ahead of a procession in central Kuala Lumpur at the weekend to mark the second anniversary of Anwar's conviction.
Six are members of the Parti Keadilan Nasional, led by Mr Anwar's wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Opposition groups have dismissed the allegations and demanded the police show evidence, while the Malaysian Bar Council -- representing the country's lawyers -- and the Human Rights Commission have both criticised the use of the ISA.