Anti-terror law tabled

KUALA LUMPUR: The new anti-terrorism law, tabled in the Dewan Rakyat today, not only gives police the power to arrest without a warrant but also prohibits judicial reviews on orders for detention without trial, which can be extended indefinitely.
The Prevention of Terrorism 2015 Bill was tabled by Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pix).
It states that judicial reviews can only be made on procedural matters and that the detention orders can be extended from "time to time for further periods", for a period not exceeding two years at a time.
"There shall be no judicial review in any court, and no court shall have or exercise any jurisdiction in respect of, any act done or decision made by the Board in the exercise of its discretionary power in accordance with this Act, except in regard to any question on compliance with any procedural requirement in this Act governing such act or decision," the bill states.
The board refers to the Prevention of Anti-Terrorism Board, consisting of a maximum of eight members appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, which must be established if the new law is passed.
Similar to the abolished Internal Security Act (ISA), police have the power to arrest anyone without a warrant if there is reason to believe that grounds exist for the person to be detained and brought before a special inquiry.
The law allows for a detention in custody for 21 days on a magistrate's order and a further 38 if the investigations show it is necessary.
"Any person arrested must be produced before a magistrate, who on production of a written statement on holding the inquiry, must either order his detention in custody for a period of 21 days or direct his release if no such statement is produced," the bill states.
Other highlights:
* No person shall be arrested solely for his political belief or political activity.
* Inquiry officer to be appointed by the minister but no police officer shall be an inquiry officer.
Ahmad Zahid had said previously that the law is specifically to address the threats of Islamic State (IS).
This bill is in line with the White Paper on addressing IS threats in Parliament last November, tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.
The enactment of this law will also see other laws like the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, Prevention of Crime Act 1959 and the Penal Code being amended.