The proposed Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) is not a copy of the abolished Internal Security Act (ISA) and is necessary for the country to better contain local and foreign terrorists.
“It is purely a preventive law to deal with domestic terrorist threats and foreign terrorists coming into the country,” said Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in an exclusive interview with The Star yesterday.
He said the Act would not be used as a political tool to silence critics.
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Zahid gave an assurance that this power will not be in the hands of any individual but would be wielded by a five-member advisory board.
“The power to detain an individual has been taken away from the Home Minister and will rest with the advisory board,” he said.
He said the board will be helmed by someone with at least 15 years of judicial experience while the remaining members must have a background in the legal profession or senior police officers.
He was responding to public queries over the need for POTA and concerns over any potential for its abuse. Some even see POTA as being similar to the controversial ISA that was abolished in 2012.
“I believe the laws now are not sufficient for the authorities to take effective action to contain these threats."
The proposed Prevention of Terrorism Act is an appropriate and smart step by the Government so that these threats can be effectively contained and prevented,” he said.
“It is purely a preventive law to deal with domestic terrorist threats and foreign terrorists coming into the country,” said Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in an exclusive interview with The Star yesterday.
He said the Act would not be used as a political tool to silence critics.
Zahid gave an assurance that this power will not be in the hands of any individual but would be wielded by a five-member advisory board.
“The power to detain an individual has been taken away from the Home Minister and will rest with the advisory board,” he said.
He said the board will be helmed by someone with at least 15 years of judicial experience while the remaining members must have a background in the legal profession or senior police officers.
He was responding to public queries over the need for POTA and concerns over any potential for its abuse. Some even see POTA as being similar to the controversial ISA that was abolished in 2012.
“There is not a single word in the proposed law that allows for its use against any individual or group over differing political ideology or views,” Zahid said.Asked if the proposed Act would generate heated debate in Parliament, he replied that laws should be accepted and supported by everyone.
He said the Act would complement existing laws, such as the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act, or Sosma, and the Penal Code, both of which are applied only after a crime is committed.
POTA uses the Prevention of Crime Act (Poca) as a template and guide, he said.
“It is not a move to revive the ISA as claimed by some people,” Zahid said, although it will allow for detention of a suspect for two years without trial.
“The MPs should not only accept new laws but also support them unless they want to see terrorist acts happening here."Armed Forces chief Jen Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said existing laws were not sufficient to beat the rising threat of militants in the country, in particular those linked to the Islamic State.
He said POTA comes from the Prime Minister’s call for action to lawmakers and the nation when he tabled a White Paper last November on the potential terrorist threat to the country.
“I believe the laws now are not sufficient for the authorities to take effective action to contain these threats."
The proposed Prevention of Terrorism Act is an appropriate and smart step by the Government so that these threats can be effectively contained and prevented,” he said.