IGP: Bukit Aman will use existing laws for cases under Sosma

KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman will utilise existing laws including the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) for cases under Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) after July 31, says Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.

This is after the motion to extend the enforcement of sub-section 4(5) of Sosma (with the powers to detain suspects for up to 28 days without trial) for another five years beginning from July 31, 2022, failed to pass at the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (March 23).

"Existing laws such as the CPC will be used to detain suspects through remand in cases involving Sosma offences after July 31.

"We remain committed to investigate to the best of our ability by using existing laws and enactment that have been enforced," he said in a statement on Wednesday.

The country's top cop said the police were aware the attempt to extend sub-section 4(5) of Sosma for another five years was rejected at the Dewan Rakyat.

"After July 31, it means Sosma will no longer include the powers to detain for up to 28 days.

"It involves those detained in complex security cases.

"The cases are offences under Chapter VI of the Penal Code (crimes against country), Chapter VIA of the Penal Code (terrorism offences), Chapter VIB of the Penal Code (organised crime offences), Chapter IIIA of the Anti-Human Trafficking and Anti Smuggling of Migract Act 2007 and Special Measures Combatting terrorism overseas," he said.

It was reported a bid by the government to continue with the powers to detain suspects for up to 28 days without trial under Sosma failed after the Dewan Rakyat voted against it.

The motion tabled by Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin to extend after it was put to vote following heated debate.

Several Opposition MPs had also insisted on the abolition of Sosma and demanded for a bloc vote on the motion instead of the usual voice vote.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun announced that the motion did not pass after 84 voted for the motion and 86 against it, while 50 MPs were not present.