KUALA LUMPUR: The Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) must be repealed, says a government MP.
Hassan Abdul Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) reminded Pakatan Harapan of its election manifesto to repeal the law.
"We promised in our election manifesto that draconian laws will be repealed," he said during a debate on the recommendations by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Human Rights, Election and Institutional Reform on Wednesday (Dec 3).
"Now is the time. We still have two more years. If we do not repeal the law, that means we – including myself –have failed to bring about reforms," he said.
He questioned if the Penal Code lacked the provisions to address organised crime.
"Why was Sosma used to detain Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISBH) members? Are they terrorists or involved in organised crime? How about Maria Chin, who was Bersih chairman at the time, detained under Sosma when Bersih was fighting for free and fair elections? What national threat did she pose?"
"This signals that the Act is cruel and draconian," he said.
Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) chairman William Leong (PH-Selayang) briefed the House on the proposals to amend the controversial law.
