BN strategic director Abdul Rahman Dahlan has called on Malaysians to help empower the government to handle terrorism.

"Terrorism is a serious global issue. Here in Msia it can undermine our security. Help to empower the Govt to handle this. Support #POTA #NSC," he tweeted in response to the attacks in Jakarta this morning.

The housing, local government and urban well-being minister was referring to the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the National Security Council (NSC) Bill.

Parliament recently passed the NSC amid objection from the opposition and civil society over concerns on the wide powers it conferred on the prime minister.

The bill allows the prime minister to declare a place a security area, which circumvents the constitutional requirement to obtain the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s consent to declare an emergency.

Under the bill, the National Security Council chaired by the prime minister would take command of the security forces, who can conduct searches and arrests without a warrant.

Earlier, The Global Movement of Moderates (GMM) warned that terror attacks are occurring closer to home and recalled the words of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

"We duly take note of the fact that these extreme actions are getting closer and closer to home. Hence it is imperative for us, as per the statement of the prime minister, 'to combat extremism wherever it may be.'

"Those who have lost their lives in Jakarta, and previously Turkey, were innocent victims of a brutal terrorist network of attacks, and it is our utmost hope that the perpetrators of this heinous injustice be brought to justice," said GMM chief executive officer Nasharudin Mat Isa ( photo ) in a media statement today.

Previously, the government had dealt with such threats using the Internal Security Act (ISA), which allowed for detention without trial.

However, the legislation was criticised for being used to silent dissent, with the most notable incident being the 1987 Ops Lalang dragnet during the tenure of Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

In 2011, Najib repealed the ISA amid much protest from the right wing, including Mahathir, who claimed that the prime minister was attempting to win votes by risking national security.

After the NSC Bill was introduced, there were those who alleged it would serve as a tool for Najib to retain his grip on power in the face of a campaign to oust him.