Experts at work: MMEA personnel demonstrating a rescue and enforcement operation during the anniversary celebration along Karpal Singh Drive, in George Town, Penang. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: The review of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) will take into account human rights while upholding national security, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said they would look into various parts of the law, including Section 13, which states that bail is not granted to people charged with security offences, though exceptions are permitted for women, the infirmed, and those below the age of 18.
“The review will look into sections involving bailable and non-bailable offences.
“We will balance the duty to uphold national security and public order while respecting a person’s human rights,” he told reporters at the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency’s (MMEA) 20th anniversary celebration in Karpal Singh Drive here yesterday.
He said that he would present the Federal Government’s direction of this review in Parliament next week.
On Friday, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who is the government spokesman, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had asked for a relook at Sosma.
He stated the Cabinet had assigned him and Saifuddin Nasution the task of scrutinising the Act and identifying potential improvements.
Saifuddin Nasution said it was time for the government to review some aspects of Sosma and how it can be implemented.
Smooth sailing: Saifuddin Nasution (left) posing for a photo during a fleet review during the celebration in George Town.
“For example, it can be used against organised crime or extreme cases of gangsterism.
“This includes cases involving terrorism and violent incidents that threaten national security and public order,” said Saifuddin Nasution.
He said that Sosma would be the right Act to be used in such situations, as these are not “regular” crimes.
“It is justified for this Act to be used, but the Cabinet believes that there are certain sections that need to be reviewed,” he said.
Saifuddin Nasution said it was not an overnight decision, as the review had been discussed for two years.
The ministry, he said, had been conducting engagement sessions concerning the review.
“We have held workshops and discussions where experts and stakeholders were called to participate and their feedback collected,” said Saifuddin Nasution.
Last week, media reports said that about 50 protesters, who are family members of those detained under Sosma, staged a hunger strike outside the Sungai Buloh prison complex after their visitation requests were rejected.
The protesters had also called for the Act to be abolished.
