Malaysia's Anti-Terrorism Laws To Be In Line With International Practices - Najib

MARANG (Malaysia), Feb 3 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Prime Minister, Najib Tun Razak said today Malaysia would promulgate laws to deal with terrorism in line with international best practices. Najib said that so far, proactive and pre-emptive measures undertaken by the government were instrumental in curtailing acts of terrorism to the extent that no serious incidents had occurred. "The proactive and pre-emptive measures undertaken were among our successes, but do not abuse this power. This power is to prevent acts of terrorism," he told reporters after presenting the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) to Rhu Rendang residents here Friday. Najib, accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, is on a one-day visit to Terengganu (east coast Malaysia). The prime minister was asked to comment on the possibility that the government would introduce stringent laws to deal with militancy and terrorism following the killing of a Malaysian militant, Zulkifli Hir, by the Philippine army. Zulkifli or Marwan is considered a top leader of the regional terrorist network Jemaah Islamiyah. He carried a US$5 million (RM15.06 million) reward for his killing or capture. Najib said the government was vigilant to terror threats for they could occur at any time, including during peace time. "I see that one of the reasons they are active outside Malaysia is due to tight surveillance here. So many who embraced militant ideology fled to other countries because they see there are more fertile grounds elsewhere," he said. He said the government strived to thwart acts of terrorism involving violence that could cause death and damage to property. "If that happens, the effect will be very bad not only to those who lost their lives but also on the feelings and image of the people of Malaysia in the eyes of the world. "Because of that, somehow, in terms of militant ideology and terrorism, we must do all we can to prevent them from happening," he said. -- BERNAMA