KUALA LUMPUR -- The leader of the Chinese-based opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP) was arrested Sunday along with five supporters for distributing leaflets criticising Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's announcement that Malaysia is an Islamic state.

Lim Kit Siang, 61, and five DAP cadres were picked up by police outside a market in Port Dickson in the southern Negri Sembilan state early Sunday, Anthony Loke, the state DAP youth chief told AFP.

"The arrest reflects the government's inability to accept criticism. DAP strongly believes Mahathir's announcement last September is unconstitutional," he said.

"Malaysia is a multi-religious, multi-racial and a secular country," Loke said.

Loke said the arresting police officer told them the leaflets were seditious.

If found guilty under the sedition act, one can be fined up to five thousand ringgit (1,316 dollars) or face up to three years imprisonment, or both.

Police released Lim and his supporters three hours after they were seized.

"They arrested us for sedition. They took our statement and then released us. Police say they will act pending advice from higher authorities," the opposition leader said.

"There will be no let up in our campaign. On Monday, we will distribute the leaflets again in Port Dickson and Seremban. The police arrest is illegal," Lim said.

He added that Islam was the official religion but Malaysia was not an Islamic country.

The opposition chief was arrested by police in the northern Perak state last June for a similar offense. He was released on bail.

The question of Islam's role in government has become central to politics in this multi-cultural country since Mahathir declared that Malaysia was an "Islamic state".

DAP has objected to this definition, saying it could make non-Muslims second-class citizens.

Muslims make up 60 percent of Malaysia's 23 million people.