Ambiga questions Sosma use in Tamil Tigers arrests

Noel Achariam Bede Hong Noel Achariam, Bede Hong Updated 6 years ago · Published on 11 Oct 2019 12:05PM · 3 Comments

Prominent lawyer and activist Ambiga Sreenevasan is questioning the government's use of Sosma to arrest 7 individuals for allegedly supporting and raising funds for the defunct Tamil Tigers separatist group in Sri Lanka. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Nazir Sufari, October 11, 2019.

PROMINENT lawyer and activist Ambiga Sreenevasan today questioned why Pakatan Harapan (PH) would allow two assemblymen to be detained under the Special Offences (Security Measures) Act (Sosma).

She said that their arrests came as a shock to her and that it was unnecessary to hold them under the oppressive law.

“I’m quite shocked. The basis has been given, but I don’t see why it has to be Sosma.

“There is no need to use it. I’m appalled that this is happening under this government,” she said after the “Freedom of Expression, how social development is as crucial as economic development” forum today.

DAP’s Gadek assemblyman G. Saminathan, who is also a Malacca state executive councillor, and Seremban Jaya assemblyman P. Gunasekaren were arrested along with five others yesterday. 

The seven were arrested for allegedly promoting and raising funds for the defunct Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

Ambiga said the police should have instead called them in for questioning.

“I also find it hard to believe that LTTE poses any threat now.”

Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin said there has to be some legislation on terrorism in particular.

“Previously, I was of the opinion that even though there were shortcomings with Sosma it was still needed.

“As for the assemblymen, I can’t comment on their case as the investigations are still ongoing.” – October 11, 2019.

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Comments

  • Any evidence of a possible terrorist threat? Like expert in making bombs, smuggling fire arms, link to an active terrorist group overseas, terrorists training or link to terrorist activities overseas. If there is any, by all means charge them! When u use Sosma, public will question many possibilities and any tangible evidence. Btw, is this LTTE still active overseas or local?

    Posted 6 years ago by James Wong · Reply

  • Show the evidence, produce it ! Malaysia is now detaining Malaysian citizens with a trial? Are we going back to that time when hundreds were detained without an opportunity to be heard. Will they be beaten up in custody and evidence extracted under oppression. These people are "innocent until proven guilty" . Thomas -if you dont have the moral strength to speak up on this travesty of justice, please resign. Sad, that Malaysian cannot appreciate a brilliant AG. Datuk Ainum did many years ago.

    Posted 6 years ago by Magnolia Chan · Reply

    • 'without"

      Posted 6 years ago by Magnolia Chan · Reply