PETALING JAYA: Immediate amendments should be carried out to the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) to better address evolving cross- border security threats while strengthening the protection of human rights, says the Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC).
In its Human Rights, Election and Institutional Reform 2025 report, the committee said Sosma must strike a balance between safeguarding national security and upholding fundamental freedoms, noting that global security challenges have become more complex.
Among its recommendations, the PSSC called on the government to refine the definitions of security offences, terrorist crimes and organised crime to improve clarity and transparency in enforcement.
It also urged a review of Section 13, which it said conflicts with principles of freedom and human rights.
“However, any amendments should be implemented with caution so as not to affect the country’s ability to maintain public security and order,” it said.
The report was issued following engagement sessions with the Home Ministry, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) and civil society group Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram).
The committee further recommended a review of Section 4(5), particularly the 28-day detention period, and proposed a shorter timeline for implementing Sosma amendments to allow reforms to be carried out transparently and in stages.
On judicial powers, the PSSC called for the restoration of court discretion in matters of remand, bail and trial to ensure a fair balance between national security interests and individual rights.
It also proposed that decisions on the use of electronic monitoring devices (EMD) be made by the courts to ensure fairness and justice.
The committee noted that although EMD use has been provided for under the law since 2012, it has yet to be implemented as no proposal has been submitted by the public prosecutor, where its use could be an alternative to prolonged detention.
While acknowledging that guidelines on investigating organised crime, including EMD procedures, were developed by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in 2023 and circulated to police personnel, the committee said their application currently depends on the discretion of the Attorney General’s Chambers.
On detainee welfare, the PSSC urged the Home Ministry to ensure detainees’ basic needs, including adequate food and medical care, are met in line with human rights standards.
It also called for the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry and relevant agencies to be allowed to provide psychological support, noting that detention under Sosma has a direct impact on the well-being of detainees’ families.
