Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian police (PDRM) is currently at its optimum level of preparedness in facing the possibility of terrorism ahead of the 27th Asean Summit next week.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said as host to the summit, the safety of every leader of the ASEAN member countries and dialogue partners is a top priority.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said the police, particularly the Counter Terrorism division was now more vigilant and alert on any activities that were suspected of involving terrorism.
“Police have deployed what should be done…give support to our security agencies.
“(I) am asking help from the people to work together to convey the information (terrorist activities) to the Home Ministry if there is any,” he told a media conference after officiating the emergency general assembly and rebranding of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) 2015 at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here today.
Malaysia, which is the ASEAN chairman, will organise the 27th ASEAN Summit and related summits from Nov 18 until 22 in the national capital.
Ahmad Zahid said anyone found to be involved in terrorism activities would be covered by the laws, including the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA), Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002 (POTA) and Penal Code.
In a related development, the Deputy Prime Minister confirmed that no Malaysians were involved in the terror incident in Paris and the government did not plan to call them back to the country.
Asked whether the French ask for any expert help from Malaysia regarding the terrorist attack incident, he said so far there was no request.
According to reports, over 100 people were killed and hundreds injured in the series of attacks on Friday night involving a concert hall, restaurants in the city centre and near the Stade de France stadium.
Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia, which was chosen as the Regional Digital Counter-Messaging Centre last October, would enhance the ability to detect individuals involved in terrorist attacks if they were sheltered in the country.
On PPP’s rebranding, he hoped the Barisan Nasional (BN) component party, which is now known as myPPP, could attract more membership from a diverse racial background.
“Make sure myPPP members are genuine and not from other parties in BN because we want more support from new myPPP members, BN will become stronger,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said every party leadership should also move together and always go down to the grassroots regardless of election or otherwise. –Bernama