We can tackle terror much better now, says Forces chief

PETALING JAYA: The growing threat of terrorism, which is also reaching this region, calls for co-ordinated action in the event of an attack.

That is why the National Security Council Act is needed, says Jen Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin (pic).

The Armed Forces chief said the Act would help security forces to better coordinate and deal with any form of threat or crime.

“With the rise of groups like the Islamic State (IS), such coordination and a fast response from multiple agencies is a must.

“Once a security area is declared, an operations director will be appointed and issue operational directives before security forces can be sent in to flush out the terrorists,” he said.

The Armed Forces chief said that under the new law, which came into effect yesterday, an area could only be declared as a security area on the proposal and advice by the NSC and subject to Parliament’s approval.

“If approved, security forces will be able to conduct an operation in the area for six months.

“As most operations are continuous, we have to ask the NSC for more time, which they will again present to Parliament for approval.

“Elements of abuse do not arise as an operation director will issue directives , including on who is the threat as well as rules of engagement,” he said adding that each security forces and agency must also answer to their own respective laws, including the Armed Forces Act 1972.

Prior to this, Jen Zulkifeli said Armed Forces personnel could only perform civil arrest if requirements are met.

First, the offence must be a seizeable offence and the detainee along with the seized items must be handed over to the relevant agencies as soon as possible.

“Plus the crime or offence must occur in front of our personnel,” he said.

With the new law, Jen Zulkifeli said, the Armed Forces personnel were better empowered to perform several actions, including imposing curfew, checks and roadblocks.

“Inside a designated security area, we can now make arrests and seizures and are not required to hand them over to the relevant agencies immediately.

“Rest assured we cannot and will not abuse our powers as we along with other security agencies must abide by the operation directives and our respective laws,” he said.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said police would not use the new law for normal policing or during a normal situation.

“We have enough laws to deal with the criminals.

“It will only be used in matters of utmost national security,” he said.

Bukit Aman Special Branch Department director Datuk Seri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the new Act would give security forces, especially the Armed Forces, more bite.

“This in turn will assist police as well,” he said.