A bitter, but necessary law to keep terrorism at bay

THE war on terror is real. It extends beyond borders, and, in this increasingly sophisticated age of communication, it is not easy to zoom in on potential recruits.

The intelligence community can no longer just monitor the usual suspects.

There are no consistent reasons why certain people are driven to fight for a cause far away from home. Likewise, we cannot know for sure what will drive them to commit acts of terror if and when they return.

Those detained for their alleged links to the Islamic State so far have come from different backgrounds. There does not appear to be a common factor.

While it may be logical to suggest that these people would have a strong, if not zealous, religious upbringing, the reality is quite the opposite.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahidi Hamidi revealed early this week that most of those caught for their involvement in extremist activities so far do not come from a religious background.

“Based on the profile of the 75 persons caught so far, only 5% have a religious background or come from religious schools,” he said.

The Bill for the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Pota) was passed by the Dewan Rakyat after a long and vigorous debate that ended at 2.30 early Tuesday.

At the same time, the police swooped in on 17 IS-linked militants in Kedah and the Klang Valley who are believed to be planning attacks on several landmarks in the city.

The cynics will consider the arrests as a convenient and timely excuse to justify the passing of this law, but let us not be blind to the fact that the war on terror goes beyond the hallowed halls of Parliament.

Our security forces have carried out many operations to nip terror in the bud and we have been kept updated.

This is because we are staying true to our democratic tradition that even the security forces cannot act without the legal authority given to them by our legislature.

There are certain provisions in Pota that are of concern to those who care about human rights and civil liberties.

MPs who fear the law may be abused cited how the Internal Security Act was used against political dissidents despite assurances given by the Executive at the time it was tabled and passed.

Unlike the ISA, the Pota has a specific clause that states that “no person shall be arrested for their political beliefs or activities.”

The Home Minister, in summing up the debate, reiterated this point and stressed that all views given in the debate will be taken into consideration should future amendments be needed.

In an ideal situation, we would all want laws that are so clear that there can be no possible misinterpretation or abuse. We also want laws that do not have to be buttressed by the assurances and promises of those who table them.

But in reality, and even in the most mature parliamentary democracies, there is no such thing as the perfect law.

Which is why the diligence of the legislators, and the public at large, is critical in ensuring that any law passed – be it Pota or even other legislation that does not attract the attention of the MPs and the media – does not veer away from its stated intention.

We must be prepared to speak up and take the necessary action if this law is abused in any way whatsoever.

We have said in this space before that extremism, be it in the form of terror groups such as IS or even through the voices of certain groups or individuals, has an insidious way of spreading its influence.

We must be sensitive to the early signs and take the necessary preventive measures. For now, let us take it in good faith that Pota is a necessary but bitter pill to ensure that the terror threat is not only contained, but eliminated.

Otherwise it will grow to become a monster that will be impossible to contain.