The bombings in Bali could have been prevented if Indonesia had a security law similar to the Internal Security Act to deal with terrorists, said Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar today.

He said although the neighbouring government was serious in combating terrorism, it could not employ preventive measures because it lacked the mechanism to do so.

"In the process of democratisation and development of human rights, as told by western countries, Indonesia does not have any mechanism to take such an action," he added.

Speaking to reporters at the Parliament lobby, Syed Hamid said Malaysia has been somewhat successful in curbing terrorism and this justified the use of the security law.

He added that, despite the law being labelled as "draconian" by some, it was still the best protection against terrorism and its absence could have led to the loss of many lives.

"If we were to abide by human rights and civil liberty, many people could have died," said the minister when asked to comment on the bombings in Bali.

In the tragedy last Saturday, 189 people died while 300 more were injured when powerful car bombs ripped through two nightclubs in the popular island resort.

Most of the victims were foreigners, predominantly Australians.

Totally unexpected

Expressing regret over the loss of lives, Syed Hamid said the incident was totally unexpected and a similar attack could happen anywhere, even in Malaysia.

Asked whether Malaysia agreed with Indonesia's claim that terror network al-Qaeda was to be blamed for the explosions, Syed Hamid replied that Malaysia has to refer to the Indonesian authorities first.

"If it is true that the act was carried out by al-Qaeda group, it is something really scary because it shows that its network has yet to be destroyed and measures taken before were not effective," he said.

However, the minister assured Malaysians and tourists that the government has taken all possible measures to avoid such an incident from occurring here.

Syed Hamid added that since the Sept 11 attacks on the United States, Malaysia has beefed up its security to the maximum level and will continue working with others to battle terrorism.

"If we are not serious about this, the terrorists may regroup and pose a danger to everyone. In carrying out the attack, they do not know any borders and operate through their cells," he said.

Malaysian police have arrested scores of individuals said to be members of the Malaysian Mujahidin Group or KMM over the past two years.

The group was alleged to be linked to Jemaah Islamiah a regional terror organisation that has ties with al-Qaeda.

Those detained are being held under the ISA, which allows for detention without trial.