PUTRAJAYA: A provision allowing bail for detainees is being considered among the recommendations to “improve” the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), says Ramkarpal Singh.
The Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said proposals to improve the Act are now almost complete.
He said several engagement sessions with stakeholders including the Home Ministry, the police, the Attorney General’s Chambers and family members of Sosma detainees have been held.
“The recommendations received will be presented to the Cabinet soon.
“The proposal to allow bail (for Sosma detainees) is an issue we are looking into now.
“Repeal (of the Act) is not in the pipeline, but we are looking into improvements,” he told reporters after participating in the National Day brisk walk activity organised by the law and institutional reform portfolio agency here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Currently, a person arrested under Sosma will not be allowed bailed except for a juvenile (under the age of 18), a woman or a person who is sick or infirm, subject to the discretion of the court.
Ramkarpal said improvements to the Act would not be implemented in one go but in stages.
In February, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the government did not intend to repeal the Act but would improve it.
He said the police still need the law so that immediate action can be taken to avoid any public panic and threats to the nation’s sovereignty and the wellbeing of the people.
Earlier in his speech, Ramkarpal called on members of the Legal Affairs Division to continue to strengthen their bonds of brotherhood and mutual respect, in line with the concept of Madani Malaysia, which emphasises unity.
In conjunction with the 66th National Day, the division has organised a number of activities including a Jalur Gemilang-raising ceremony, independence talks and a visit to the Declaration of Independence Memorial in Melaka.
