Detention without trial in new Act

KUALA LUMPUR:The proposed new Anti-Terrorism Act will follow the template of the Prevention of Crime (Amendments and Extensions) Act 2013 (PCA), which gives executive power to the minister and has a panel to issue detention without trial orders.
In saying this, Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stressed there is no basis to worry about detention without trial as this is only to fight terrorism.
He said detention orders are decided by a five-member panel under the PCA and the new law would have similar provisions.
Ahmad Zahid also assured that there will not be any abuse of power despite the executive powers given to the minister under the proposed law.
He said there may be a special sitting to table the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act as the Islamic State (IS) threat is real and may spread in Malaysia if not stopped.
"The new law is aimed at preventing Malaysians from being involved in militant activities and it would be based on models from six different countries but would be drafted to suit the situation here," he told a press conference after the tabling of the White Paper on handling the IS threat.
Ahmad Zahid said the government will conduct roadshows nationwide to create awareness and explain to the people about the IS agenda, which is not based on the real teachings of Islam.
He added the government will revoke the passports of the 40 Malaysians arrested for involvement in militant activities and that they would be brought to court soon.
Earlier in the Dewan Rakyat, he said he would have a consultation session with all MPs in drafting the law.
He commended Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (PKR-Permatang Pauh) for his support of the enactment of the new law to fight terrorism and urged all MPs to show their support for government efforts in the matter.
"We hope there is no suspicion (prasangka) about the new Act like how it happened before to Permatang Pauh, Kota Marudu (Datuk Maximus Ongkili) and me," Ahmad Zahid said, referring to their detention under the Internal Security Act.