KUALA LUMPUR: The Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) is a good and necessary law, but will be reviewed given past abuses of the law, said Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman.

The Deputy Home Minister said he firmly believes that the law is good, as it enables authorities to tackle serious crimes such as organised crimes and terrorism.

"However, the law has been abused in the past for political reasons, thus the ministry has set up a special committee to review it along with other laws, such as Prevention of Terrorism Act (Pota) and Prevention of Crime Act (Poca).

"In my opinion, the law is good and if this law is no more, I am quite sure organised crime syndicates will laugh at the authorities," he told a press conference after launching the meeting of Asean Immigration Heads on Tuesday (Aug 7).

He was asked to comment on calls to not repeal Sosma by former top cops, including former deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Bakri Zinin.

When pressed further whether he ruled out the possibility that Sosma will be repealed, Mohd Azis said the special committee, which will include the Attorney General's Chambers and other agencies, will review it.

"We will take into account the views of various parties, especially the Royal Malaysia Police, who are the frontliners.

"We will come to a conclusion and inform the rakyat when the time comes," he said.

On July 22, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the government would repeal laws that are oppressive, especially Sosma.

Dr Mahathir said the act, which was introduced during former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's administration, allowed the government to arrest anyone without having to go to court.