KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 ― Putrajaya must install safeguards to limit the impingements on basic rights in its new anti-terrorism law that will include preventive detention, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has said.

Saying it understood the need for such a law to combat terrorism and extremism, including the threats posed by the Islamic State, the commission insisted that such laws and amendments be made in accordance with international human rights standards.

“While the Commission acknowledges the pressing need in ensuring that our national security agencies have the necessary powers to protect national security, any limitations to human rights must be kept to a minimum, unambiguous, legitimate and proportionate,” said its chairman Tan Sri Hasmy Agam in the statement.

Suhakam also reminded Putrajaya that the anti-terror laws should only be used for its expressed purpose, and that it would be discredited if the powers were used incorrectly or abused by the authorities.

“In addition, anti-terrorism provisions must be clearly defined in Malaysian laws, and drafted in adherence to international human rights standards to be effective,” he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Wednesday tabled in Parliament a White Paper titled “Addressing the threat of Islamic State”, outlining the history of IS, the threat the group poses and the impact it has on Malaysians as well as the danger in allowing its skewed Islamic teachings and practice of violence to spread in Malaysia.

The White Paper recommended a new law that is appropriate to fight and to take action against Malaysians involved in militant and terrorist activities and also strengthening existing laws such as those in the  Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 and the Prevention of Crime (Amendment and Extension) Act 2013.

Todah, Suhakam urged Putrajaya to consult all relevant stakeholders to ensure the amendments are targeted at preventing radicalisation and to bolster existing measures to control and prevent terrorist activities.

“Given the urgency of the matter and the short timeframe, the Commission reiterates its position that any new measures shall be accompanied by appropriate safeguards to protect human rights,” he said.

Following Najib’s tabling of the White Paper ― only the third in Malaysia’s history ― Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi revealed that proposed law will include preventive detention powers.

Authorities lost the power to detain individuals without trial after the Internal Security Act (ISA) and other security laws were repealed as part of Najib’s reforms.