AN explanation will be provided in the Dewan Rakyat on allegations of abuse involving detainees under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said his ministry is currently in discussions with Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul to bring the matter before Parliament this week.
“If there are no obstacles, I will deliver a ministry statement in the House this week.
“I will provide a comprehensive explanation of the current situation and outline the government’s future plans,” he told the Dewan Rakyat.
The minister was responding to Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka), who asked whether reports of alleged abuse had been submitted to the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC).
Last Friday, government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said that the Cabinet had agreed on the need to improve Sosma.
The Cabinet, Fahmi said, has tasked the Home Minister with reviewing the Act and identifying areas for reform.
Earlier this month, around 50 protesters – comprising family members of Sosma detainees – staged a hunger strike outside the Sungai Buloh Prison complex after their visitation requests were denied.
On Feb 13, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said in the Dewan Rakyat that Sosma remains necessary for addressing serious threats such as terrorism. However, he emphasised that while the law should remain in force, its regulations must be clear and not subject to misuse.
