New anti-terror law to be drafted

Focused: Najib tabling the White Paper on tackling the IS threat. — Bernama

A NEW law will be drafted to combat the threats of militancy and act against Malaysians implicated in terror groups.

This is stated in the White Paper on tackling the Islamic State threat (Ke Arah Menangani Ancaman Kumpulan Islamic State (IS)) tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday.

Aside this, the White Paper stresses on the need to strengthen existing laws, such as the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act and the Prevention of Crime Act and the Penal Code, to curb the threats.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told reporters later a proposed Bill on this issue would be tabled at an emergency Parliament meeting next March.

Najib said the Government realised that laws were not enough to curb the ideology held by the IS.

He said the country’s youths as well as parents must reject IS ideology, which, he emphasised, could destroy the nation’s future.

“The peace and harmony achieved all this while is priceless and should be preserved,” the Prime Minister said, adding that Malaysia continued to be committed in working with the international community to combat radicalism, extremism, terrorism and militancy.

The 19-page White Paper, with a 12-page appendix that included photographs of IS militants and locations of their spreading influence, was distributed to MPs on Tuesday.

Thirty-nine Malaysians have reportedly joined the terror group in conflict zones in Syria and Iraq. Nineteen suspects escaped court charges due to insufficient proof, but police say they are under surveillance.

Najib said all these made efforts to address the threats more challenging.

“A specific law is needed to address new threats concerning the presence of militants in conflict areas and returnees to Malaysia.

“The rise of IS influence can inspire and reignite militant groups in Malaysia,” he said, adding that the group’s call for jihad was purportedly based on Islamic compulsion and manipulated to get Malaysians to join it.

“I hope to gain the support of all levels of society so that the people will not be influenced by such ideologies,” he said.

Najib said IS used social media to draw support, and used several languages, including Bahasa Indonesia, in its propaganda to woo the people.

“This move is seen as one of IS' strategies to attract support and sympathy from the large Muslim population in South-East Asia,” said Najib.

Dr Ahmad Zahid described the militant threats as a “real and tangible danger” to the nation which needed to be addressed urgently.

“It is extremely urgent and the Prime Minister has directed me to table it during the next Parliament proceedings in March.

“However, if need be, we will convene a special session for the purpose before March,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby yesterday.

He said there were worries that IS militant groups would eventually form pacts with other radical militant and extreme groups in the region to spread terror here.

“We will be studying anti-terror laws adopted in six countries and will take the best to suit us,” he said, hinting that the new law would include provisions for detention without trial akin to current laws under the Prevention of Crime Act.

Earlier, when debating the motion to accept the White Paper, Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club deputy chairman Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin said focus should be on the movements of IS and its influence amongst the youth.

Nogeh Gumbek (BN-Mas Gading) urged Malaysians to put aside their differences and unite to tackle the problem.

Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed concern that the new law would be akin to the now-defunct Internal Security Act.

Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Gelang Patah) called for a Parliamentary Select Committee to be set up to push for moderation and draft laws to deal with the IS threat.

Datuk Kamaruddin Jaafar (PAS-Tumpat) said that while his party was against IS, the problems in Syria and Iraq must be resolved by their own people without foreign intervention.

The motion was passed by a majority when put to the vote.

Related stories:

MPs and Senators may get stipend raise

New company to save ailing MAS

Fresh curriculum for vocational colleges mooted

‘Prisoners did not eat from dipper’