Anti terrorism bill expected to be tabled next March

The Anti Terrorism Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament next March, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the legal division of the Home Ministry (KDN) was currently preparing the draft of the bill before it is being discussed in more detail to the Attorney General's Department.

"KDN will submit the matter to the cabinet before being brought to the Senate (Dewan Rakyat).

"The draft of the bill has received good feedback not only from legal practitioners but also non-governmental organisations," he told reporters after officiating the Police Commissioners/Police Chiefs/Commanders/Commandants 2/2014 at the police college, Cheras near here today.

On the Prevention of Crime Act 2013 (Poca) (Amendment and Extension), he said up to date, 306 individuals had been detained since it was amended with several prosecutions being made.

Meanwhile Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the police welcomed the proposed bill, which was described as an extra tool in facing militant threat.

"Especially Malaysians who are involved in militant activities abroad and will most probably return can jeopardise the internal security of our country," he said when met here.