Malaysia plans tougher anti-terror laws
Growing Islamic militancy must be contained, warns Home Minister
By Shannon Teoh Malaysia Correspondent In Kuala Lumpur, The Straits Times, 27 Nov 2014
Growing Islamic militancy must be contained, warns Home Minister
By Shannon Teoh Malaysia Correspondent In Kuala Lumpur, The Straits Times, 27 Nov 2014
MALAYSIA will table an anti-terrorism Bill early next year to counter a growing Islamic militancy that has seen at least 39 Malaysians join the fighting in Syria and Iraq.
The legislation will include preventive measures and allow passports to be revoked to prevent Malaysia from becoming a terror hub, Home Minister Zahid Hamidi said yesterday.
A White Paper on terrorism tabled yesterday by Prime Minister Najib Razak said the government must "act immediately to contain" the influence of the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq (ISIS), also known as the Islamic State (IS).
The 19-page policy document said efforts required to tackle the ISIS threat have become more challenging and current laws need to be strengthened.
"However, to address new threats concerning the presence of militants in conflict areas and returnees to Malaysia, a specific law is needed," it said.
"The rise of IS influence can inspire and reignite militant groups in Malaysia. The call to jihad by IS is very influential as it is based on Islamic compulsion that has been manipulated so Malaysians are compelled to join them."
Datuk Seri Najib told Parliament that the government will table the new law in the next parliamentary sitting, adding that the current laws are insufficient to contain ISIS ideology.
"This White Paper also proposes to strengthen existing laws such as the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act, Prevention of Crime Act and the Penal Code to curb the threat of terrorism and militancy," he said.
He urged young Malaysians and their parents "to reject this extremist ideology which can destroy the future of all".
Mr Zahid told a press conference that the current laws cover problems only after a terror act has been committed. The anti-terrorism Act will plug this loophole by providing preventive measures, he said.Police have identified 17 Malaysians who have fought for ISIS and 22 who joined another militant group operating in Syria and Iraq known as Ajnad al-Sham.
Of the 39 militants, six are former Internal Security Act (ISA) detainees. The law was repealed as part of Mr Najib's liberal reforms in 2011. The ISA allowed for preventive detention, an element that the authorities have since said is crucial in stamping out terrorism.
They also lament the fact that they are unable to hold suspects for longer periods.
Critics, however, accused the government of using the ISA to detain people without trial.
Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said during the debate on the White Paper: "Laws that are to be introduced must be stern in dealing with terror but with no room whatsoever to be interpreted for political purposes."
Other countries including Australia and Britain have enacted additional anti-terror laws in recent years, while Singapore has maintained its ISA.
Five Malaysians have died fighting in the Middle East, including a suicide bomber. Of 40 arrested in connection with ISIS, 21 have been charged and 19 released for lack of evidence, said the White Paper.
"Malaysia faces security risks following the return of militants from Syria and Iraq... able to commit terror acts as lone wolves or in groups in Malaysia or across borders," it warned.
ISIS has assets worth RM7 billion (S$2.7 billion), according to the White Paper, with a daily cash flow of RM3 million from black market oil sales.
Terror threat at 'a whole new level' in Malaysia
Minister hopes White Paper detailing foreign threat will raise awareness
The Straits Times, 26 Nov 2014
Minister hopes White Paper detailing foreign threat will raise awareness
The Straits Times, 26 Nov 2014
KUALA LUMPUR - The national security threat posed by foreign terror groups working with local militants has reached "a whole new level", Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
A White Paper on the militancy threat has been tabled and will be debated in Parliament.
The policy document will detail how terrorist organisations such as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) are trying to influence local political parties and raise funds through social media.
"The threat is real and we hope this (White Paper) will create more awareness on both sides of the political divide and (among) Malaysians as a whole," he told The Star newspaper yesterday.
"If they (ISIS) can kill among Muslims, then they are able to kill non-Muslims (also).
"People must be alerted (to this) and precautions should be taken," the minister said.
The White Paper - only the third such policy document issued in Malaysia - will outline proposed measures to combat and prevent terrorism.
Datuk Seri Zahid said Prime Minister Razak Najib will touch on the involvement of Malaysians in terror cells and the need to amend existing laws or introduce new ones to combat terrorism.
"We will either strengthen the seven existing laws by amending the clauses or propose a new AntiTerrorism Act as a preventive measure," the Home Minister added.
The previous two White Papers focused on the activities of two local deviationist sects.
"This time around, the foreign threat is real and the threat from within is also real," Dr Zahid said.
"What is worse now is that Malaysian fighters are connected to foreign fighters and this poses a whole new level of threat."
Some 100 Malaysians were identified as being involved in extremist activities, of whom 39 were involved with militant groups in Syria and Iraq, especially ISIS, according to the Home Ministry.
"Five have returned to Malaysia. Three have been arrested and two others are still under investigation," the minister said.
The Home Ministry is monitoring social media on two fronts - the recruitment of Malaysians and the terror cells getting more donations and funding, Dr Zahid said.
He also said foreign militants were trying to influence local parties through their members.
He urged both ruling and opposition MPs to debate the White Paper "sincerely".
"The important thing is for us to work together… It is about the security of the country," he said.
THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK