Pota will only be used against those involved in violent extremism

KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed Prevention of Terrorism Act (Pota) 2015 will only be used against those involved in violent extremism.
Assuring that there is no political motive in the proposed Pota, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak said, the proposed Act is to safeguard the country's peace and security and there is no need for the government to be apologetic about it.
"Some people will say that these laws are undemocratic or threaten their freedoms.
"Well, there is no such thing as absolute freedom! Freedom without responsibility has no place in this country," Najib said at the 208th Police Day celebration at the Pulapol Parade Square here today.
Najib was responding to public concerns that the law may be used by certain parties for their benefit.
The concern came after provisions in POTA, as well as the planned amendments to the Sedition Act 1948 would provide a detention without trial.
Najib said the new law will be administered by competent body and not by members of the administration as its objective is to prevent the proliferation of acts of terrorism that will threaten the national security.
He added that the laws are to combat new challenges, including the rise of the IS (Islamic State) and should not be used by certain groups for their own political ends.
"Only those who raise the threat of violent extremism can be detained under this new act," Najib said, adding that prevention is better than cure and that is exactly what the government is subscribing to.
"We have to act first to prevent terrorism because the consequences can be disastrous if we are late in doing so," he said.
Najib added people should not disrespect the police as they are the body who uphold the law to ensure the peace in the country.
"Nowadays, there are people who make fun of police officers."
"These people are irresponsible. The police should be respected as they are the ones who uphold the rule of law," Najib said.
He pointed out that fighting terrorism was one of the four challenges of the police, besides the criticism in the social media touching on racial and religious sensitivities, intrusions into the country such as the case in Lahad Datu, Sabah, in 2014, and the task of reducing the crime index in the country.
He also urged the public to play an active role in helping the police through community policing to reduce crime and maintain peace.
Najib said each individual should shoulder collective responsibilities to enhance the effectiveness in fighting crime.
As for the police day, Najib said, it was an opportunity for the government and people to appreciate the sacrifices and commitment the police does to maintain peace and national sovereignty.
Najib also drew an analogy to a table and chair for the four pillars of a nation, namely a strong economy; political stability; unity among the people; and peace and security and of all the pillars, he gave priority to peace and security.
In SEREMBAN, Negri Sembilan police have warned snatch thieves to beware as they are deploying their female officers in plainclothes to various public places here in a bid to tackle snatch thefts.
Bernama quoted deputy state police chief SAC Datuk Hamzah Md Jamil as saying these plainclothes policewomen would also wear jewellery and carry a handbag.
"They have been deployed to public places, such as supermarkets, bus terminals and banks as baits to catch snatch thieves.
"They are well-trained to face snatch thieves. So, to all snatch thieves out there, you better watch out," he told reporters after attending the state-level 208th Police Day celebration here today.
At the event, 19 police officers, as well as 27 others of lower ranks and 16 civil servants were awarded with letters of appreciation.
In JOHOR BARU, state police deputy chief Datuk Ismail Yatim said the need to augment 1,000 police personnel in the state would be given priority this year due to the intensive development taking place in Johor.
"The filling of the vacancies for various rank and file personnel will be done this year to strengthen the existing strength of about 9,000 personnel," he said after the launch of the Police Day celebration at the Johor Police headquarters in Johor Baru.
In PUTRAJAYA, police chief ACP Abdul Razak Abdul Majid said crime in the federal administrative capital was under control, with an average of 30 cases a month involving housebreaking and motorcycle theft.