I am appalled at Malaysia's new anti-terrorism legislation which has deprived the man-in the-street even more of his fundamental rights. This mandatory death sentence for 'terrorists' is a redundant law that is open to abuse.

Murderers in Malaysia are sent to the gallows if found guilty. So why the need for additional legislation? Aren't 'terrorists' supposed to be murderers? Why one set of laws for people who kill for money, love, lust and revenge and another set of laws for people who kill for a political ideology?

It is bad enough that we already have the Internal Security Act (ISA). Why do we need even more draconian laws when in Malaysia people can be imprisoned by the mere stroke of a pen? No trial, no evidence - off to prison you go if the government wishes so.

Obviously, Malaysia's anti-terror laws were created merely as a circus act by our political clowns to appease our Western masters. Yet, this is supposed to be our Golden Jubilee year of independence.

What is the meaning of our independence when it has been relegated to a farcical event which is celebrated by having only floats, parades and traditional dances, etc? Even North Korea and Burma organise the same kind of stage show for their people.

Malaysia's new anti-terrorism laws are unfair and un-Islamic. There isn't even a precise definition of terrorism. In fact, any anti-social behaviour can be interpreted as terrorism. Even organising peaceful demonstrations, boycotts, sit-ins, candlelight vigils and making speeches can be considered as acts of terrorism.

Of course, the police force gets new powers - no need of warrants for searches and the right of the accused to remain silent is withdrawn. In fact, remaining silent has now become an offence as you are perceived to be withholding information which may or may not prevent acts of terror.

As a Muslim, I am concerned. It is bad enough that we Muslims come under the domain of both the civil courts and the shariah courts in Malaysia. Now we have even more extrajudicial legislation targeting us.

I am perplexed. Our prime minister is a Muslim. Our King is a Muslim. Yet Muslims in Malaysia are the most disadvantaged group of people with the least rights of all. Why?