The Muslim Professionals Forum (MPF) today lauded the government's resolve in tackling terrorism but expressed concern over the arrest of several individuals under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for this purpose.

According to its chairperson Dr Mazeni Alwi, the arrests raised concerns about justice and fairness.

"We feel that the existing laws are adequate and those detained should be given the right to a fair trial in an open tribunal.

"If need be, a new anti-terrorism bill that does not infringe fundamental liberties could be proposed to deal with this problem," he said in a statement.

H said when KMM (Malaysian Mujahideen Group) and JI (Jemaah Islamiyah) detainees have not been charged and their guilt established in an open trial, the recent ISA arrests may tarnish further Malaysia's image as a model Muslim nation.

"We urge the authority to charge those detained in an open court and let our justice system deal with the case in an independent and fair manner," he added.

Last week, the police detained 12 men said to be members of the Indonesian militant group Darul Islam. They were allegedly plotting attacks on several neighbouring countries.

The group, mostly Indonesians but including at least two Malaysians, were nabbed off the eastern coast of Sabah after six months of police surveillance.

Fundamental liberties

Meanwhile, Mazeni said the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) should take the lead in countering terrorism by shadowy Islamic groups.

"Terrorist acts carried out in pursuit of purportedly religious objectives are despicable crimes, justly deserving the most severe condemnations from all quarters," he added.

Presently at the helm of the OIC, he said Malaysia has the distinction of having earned the respect of both the Muslim and non-Muslim worlds.

"Under her charge, the OIC should take the lead in countering terrorism by shadowy Islamic groups," he added.

However, Mazeni said the fight against terrorism should not be at the expense of fundamental

liberties.

Similarly, it should not be at the behest of some western powers whose motives and conduct in the war against terror have been called into question by their own citizens, he added.