Anti-Terrorism Act can become global benchmark to address IS threat

The Anti-Terrorism Bill to be tabled in parliament can become a global benchmark to address the threat posed by the Islamic State (IS) militant group.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the Anti-Terrorism Act can be the answer needed by countries that are still clueless about how to check the threat by IS.

"Like Malaysia, the other countries are pondering whether their laws are adequate to address the IS threat.

"I believe the Home Ministry, the Attorney-General and the stakeholders are aware of the IS threat," he told reporters after attending the Chinese New Year celebration of Sembrong parliamentary constituency in Paloh Saturday.

In Oct 2014, Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said his ministry was formulating an Anti-Terrorism Act and would propose it to the government.

The law will be a separate entity from the Prevention of Crime Act (POCA) 1959 and the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA) 2012.