Two senior ministers have come out in defence of a mooted new anti-terror law after the opposition expressed concern that it will be similar to the Internal Security Act (ISA).

Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein insisted today that the new anti-terror law mooted will not be similar to the defunct Internal Security Act (ISA) amid concerns from the opposition.

"No, this is specifically on militancy," Hishammuddin said at the Parliament lobby when asked if the law would be similar to the ISA.

Likewise, Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi called the fear "unfounded".

"Their worry is without basis as our focus is on dealing with terrorism," Zahid told journalists at a separate press conference at the Parliament lobby.

Earlier, the government tabled a White Paper in Parliament on the Islamic State (IS) threat and called for the creation of a new law as well as strengthening existing anti-terror laws.

Both ministers were coy when pressed if the new law will constitute detention without trial.

It may be based on Prevention of Crime Act...

"We have to see what is the situation to address the issue of IS. It is not whether there is detention without trial or not," said Hishammuddin.

However, Zahid indicated that this may be the case after stating that the government may consider using the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (PCA) model.

The PCA was amended last year to introduce detention without trial, but unlike the ISA, it includes alleged checks-and-balances, including a screening committee before a detention order is made.

"Don't worry about abuse of power in the usage of the new act," Zahid said.

Calling the new legislation "extremely urgent", he added that the government was targeting to table the law at next Parliament sitting but may consider convening a special Parliament sitting on it.

For now, Zahid said, the government has already began taking measures against Malaysians who are fighting for IS, including cancelling their passports.

"The existing laws only deal with problems after they have happened, there is a lack of preventive measures therefore this anti-terror Act will focus on preventive matter," he said.

He also gave his assurance that the opposition will be consulted on the new law.

"We are going to discuss with the other side of the bench.

"We should have a special committee to discuss the law first before it is tabled," he said, expressing optimism that the legislation will get bi-partisan support.

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