KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Negara passed the Prevention of Terrorism Bill 2015 today.
Deputy home minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar in tabling the bill gave assurance that all views raised by members of parliament during the tabling in Dewan Rakyat earlier were taken into consideration including concerns on human rights and civil liberty.
"We will not compromise any abuse of powers in carrying out investigation or detention. This law is crucial in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty by taking preventive measures against any attempt to disrupt this through terrorism threats," said Junaidi citing the attack on Charlie Hebdo magazine in France.
Under the act, a police officer with the rank of inspector and above could investigate the facts and circumstances if he believes that there are reasons to classify the case.
The suspects must be brought before a magistrate for remand and brought to the Sessions court for an extension of remand.
He said the suspects, who have the right to legal representation, can have their case heard before the Terrorism Prevention Board, whose members would be appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
"A session court judge may allow the person to be released with bond or police supervision in a time frame of 59 days.
"In the instance that the person is released under police supervision or granted bond by the Sessions court, an electronic monitoring device (EMD) would be adorned on the person."
He said the minister would appoint an investigating officer who is not a police personnel.
The act also covers the safeguarding of the identities of the witnesses, family or friends.
If the board is satisfied with the report by the investigating officer, it may order a two-year detention. The act also specified that no one could be detained for political ideology.