IT hackers can be held under ISA, says Noh
5th October 2004 (Utusan Online)

KUALA LUMPUR Oct 4 - Information Technology (IT) users are liable to be detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) if they are found to have posted negative news on the website that can harm national security, Deputy Minister of Internal Security Datuk Noh Omar said Monday.

He said they could also be tried in open court if the authorities had incriminating evidence of them hacking into government secrets and debating sensitive religious issues on the website or in whatever form of communication, including the Mass media.

"We've detected a website that posts unhealthy news. The operators have been warned to stop discussing religious issues on the website or risk stern action," he told reporters at parliament lobby.

Elaborating on the use of ISA against hackers, Noh said it was not impossible that in future people with IT knowledge could hack into government secrets.

"How are we to charge them in court. We don't have solid evidence to prove they have committed the crime."

On ISA detainees held at Kamunting Camp in Taiping, Noh said 101 people were at the camp as of August, including 75 for their involvement with Jemaah Islamiah (JI) terror group.

Twelve were detained for being members of Kumpulan Militan Malaysia (KMM), seven for falsifying RM1 coins, six for forging passports and identity cards and one for smuggling out nuclear component to overseas, he said.

"All of them are found to be a threat to internal security and public order. If they are allowed to be free, they may inflict more damage to the country.

"We do not want our country to be like Indonesia, constantly haunted by threats of bom attacks," he said.

On religious extremists held under ISA, Noh said they could be detained for between six months and two years without trial under current procedures.

Nevertheless, the position of each detainee would be reviewed every six months by the Advisory Board.

"If the board recommends that a detainee be released, he will be released," he said.

"We also have a Evaluation Committee for detainees which will study their position while under detention for the maximum two years.

"Through the special committee, we can extend the detention period if the detainee is deemed to be dangerous or banish him to another district under the Restricted Residence Act," he added.