The public must be made fully aware that they could be prosecuted under the new anti-terror laws for unknowingly 'providing facilities' to terrorists, said speakers at a forum in Kuala Lumpur.

One of the speakers, lawyer Tommy Thomas said henceforth landlords would be compelled to ask prospective tenants if they were involved in terrorism.

"Isn't it is silly to ask this question? It poses a tremendous burden on the owner of the building," he told the 70-odd participants at the 'Anti-terrorism laws and national security' forum last night.

The forum was jointly organised by the Bar Council, Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) and National Human Rights Society (Hakam). It was chaired by former Bar Council chairperson Raja Aziz Addruse

Describing the law as "frightening", Thomas also expressed concern that the definition of what constituted terrorist acts was vague as it merely stated them as 'activities prejudicial to national security'.

He said this provision has appeared in the Internal Security Act together with many other "oppressive legislation" which gives discretion to the authority to define it.

"Malaysia cannot at one end encourage for foreign direct investment, but at the other end use this kind of suppressive laws," he added.

The lawyer also questioned whether existing laws were insufficient to deal with terrorism.

Citing the example of the al-Ma'unah incident, he said the current provisions under the Penal Code saw the group convicted after a lengthy trial.

Harsh punishment

Another speaker, lawyer Edmund Bon said he was disappointed that the government failed to consult the Bar Council on the matter as the legislation affected those in the profession.

He stressed that the law will erode client-counsel professional privileges.

"A loose and vague offence used to penalise alleged service providers to terrorist groups will only do more harm than good," he said, adding that he was disappointed with the public who have chose to keep mum on this issue.

Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants president Beh Tok Koay said the new law placed an onerous obligation on accountants to determine if their clients were involved in terrorist activities.

He said the death penalty, under the new law, for those convicted of rendering services to terrorists was "unjustifiably harsh".

Speaking about the legislation's effect on the media, malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan said the law will only further restrict press freedom in this country.

He stressed that the right for journalists to protect their sources is prerequisite for a media to report without fear or favour.

He added that if journalists were forced to divulge their sources, it will progressively sound the death knell for the profession.

"Having done some investigative journalism myself, I understand and appreciate the value of our sources and informers. Without them, there will be no stories, no scandals, no exposes," he stressed.

Under the legislation, journalists can face imprisonment if they refuse to reveal their sources as it will be seen as aiding terrorist activities.

Good start

Malaysia Trade Union Congress (MTUC) financial secretary A Sivanadan pointed out that the law could also deny the right of workers to strike as this could be deemed as an act which threatens national security.

Suaram director R Sivarasa said the forum was a good start to the campaign to call for the amendment or repeal of this legislation.

He said that despite the law being passed by Parliament, he was still optimistic as people are more aware these days.

Earlier today, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia expressed concern that the new could be used against political dissents. It has also drawn flak from other human rights groups.