KL Seeks Sweeping New Anti-terror Laws

TODAY

31 March 2015

KUALA LUMPUR — Barely three years after it abolished its Internal Security Act (ISA) in a pre-election gambit, the Malaysian government yesterday tabled two new Bills in Parliament, as it seeks sweeping powers to deal with domestic terrorism and the worrying trend of its citizens travelling abroad for terror activities.

One of the new Bills tabled allows authorities to detain a person involved in terrorist acts for up to two years without trial. The detention can be extended indefinitely by a special board comprising three to six members appointed by the Malaysian King.

The Prevention of Terrorism Bill 2015 (POTA) also does not allow for any judicial review in any court. The only exception is with regard to any question on compliance with any procedural requirements.

The second new Bill — Special Measures Against Terrorism in Foreign Countries Bill — allows for passports and travel documents to be revoked to prevent a person from travelling to a foreign country to engage in terrorist acts.

…Ms Stefanie Kam, an Associate Research Fellow with the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at the S. Rajaratnum School of International Studies, questioned whether Malaysia’s proposed new laws would be adequate.

She said that there are still groups who believe in the need to fight in Syria and Iraq to alleviate the perceived grievances of the oppressed.

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Last updated on 23/11/2015