Hishammuddin
LANGKAWI: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein voiced his support for the proposed Prevention of Terrorism Activities (Pota) Bill, saying such laws will limit the threat of terrorism, including the Islamic State (IS).
"It's a global phenomena. If there is any measure that requires laws, which may not be sufficient now, to be set up, this is the best time to do it.
"As far as the Defence Ministry is concerned, we have been very consistent about our stance on the IS threat.
"It is real, it is not something that is made up, it has nothing to do with politics," he said adding that Pota, to be tabled in the upcoming Parliament sitting, is a pro-active measure to limit the IS threat.
"If people don't colour it (Pota) with political considerations or emotional considerations of the Internal Security Act (ISA), I think the public will understand," he told reporters after discussing preparations for the upcoming Langkawi International Maritime and Aviation (LIMA) exhibition.
Under Pota, authorities have the power to detain terror suspects for two years, with another two-year extension depending on a case-by-case basis.
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