The opposition today condemned the bomb blast in Bali, Indonesia which took almost 200 lives but urged Western powers not to point their fingers at anyone before comprehensive investigations are completed.

Barisan Alternatif conveyed its condolences and sympathies to those who lost their families in Saturday's carnage.

The opposition front comprising PAS, Keadilan, and PRM described the bombing as "an act of terror and inhumanity".

However, it added that any allegation linking the attack to al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiah groups before an investigation is conducted is "premature".

"We urge all parties to leave the matter to the Indonesian government so that it could conduct detailed investigations and identify the causes and those responsible for the attack," read a statement issued by BA secretariat chairperson Abdul Rahman Othman.

The BA also expressed regret that the United States, Australia and some other countries had jumped to conclusion when commenting on the Bali explosions.

"Labelling certain groups as terrorists and holding them responsible for violent acts is reflective of the overzealousness and stereotyping of the US and its western allies," said the front.

It went on to urge Southeast Asian countries to strengthen cooperation and strategic planning among themselves to monitor, contain and eradicate any form of terrorism in the region.

Wake-up call

Meanwhile, DAP chairperson Lim Kit Siang said in a separate statement that the bombing in Bali should be a "chastening wake-up call" to the US administration that a unilateral military attack on Iraq could easily destroy the fragile international coalition against terrorism.

The Southeast Asian governments must come together to upgrade their cooperation to ensure that this region is not regarded as a haven for terrorism, he said.

He added that the Malaysian government in particular must not use the terrorism issue as an expedient political weapon against the democratic opposition.

"[They must] take Malaysians, political parties and the civil society into confidence to conduct a national campaign against terrorism transcending political and sectional differences," he said.

Attack unacceptable

In another statement, Keadilan president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said the party felt any attack on civilians regardless of its motive and reason, is unacceptable.

She expressed confidence that the administration of Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri would be able to investigate the carnage thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice.

"However, no one should use the bombing as an excuse to take violent actions which are unlawful or violate human rights and democratic practices," she added.

A total of 63 people said to be members of the Malaysian Mujahidin Group (KMM) are currently in detention under the Internal Security Act. The security law permits indefinite detention without trial.