Terror suspects can be detained for more than two years

KOTA BARU: Terror suspects can be detained for two years under the proposed Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), said Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, adding that the detention period can be further extended.
He said all quarters should support the new law to address terrorism, including MPs when the bill comes up for debate in the Dewan Rakyat, reported Bernama.
He said POTA is a law specifically to address the threat from terror groups such as the Islamic State (IS) militants.
A bill is to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat this month to provide for the legislation. The Dewan Rakyat sits for 20 days from Monday.
Ahmad Zahid said the new legislation is a preventive law aimed at anticipating and preventing terror activities and acting against IS members from Malaysia and other nations who come to this country.
"This month, I will table the Prevention of Terrorism Bill in the Dewan Rakyat. Yesterday, the Cabinet was briefed on the draft by the Attorney-General (Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail). The draft will be finalised next week," he told reporters after an appreciation reception for personnel of the Department of Civil Defence (JPAM) who were involved in flood relief work.
Ahmad Zahid was asked to comment on the involvement of Malaysians in the IS militant group as well as the latest report of two Malaysians, one from Kedah and the other from Malacca, seen in a video clip showing the beheading of Syrian nationals in the strife-torn country.
On the video clip, he said the authenticity of the clip is being verified.
"I could see that they were Malay faces but the police anti-terrorism unit, with the cooperation of Interpol, is getting the clip verified."