MALAYSIA cannot do away with the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) as it is still needed to fight terrorism on the local and international front, said Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said in the Pakatan Harapan manifesto, there was no mention of Sosma being abolished, but that it could be reviewed.

“We still feel that Sosma is needed. We see current issues on terrorism are worrying.

“If we don’t have these legal instruments, they (terrorists) will escape the law and pose a threat to national security,” he said after launching the National Registration Day in Putrajaya today.

Last week, police arrested 12 men, including DAP reps G. Saminathan and P. Gunasekaren, on suspicion of promoting, supporting, channelling funds to and possessing materials related to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

All are being held under Sosma, which allows for detention up to 28 days.

Muhyiddin also clarified what PH promised in its GE14 manifesto was to look at how they can improve Sosma. 

“There are some who are calling it a draconian law and not in line with human rights and is cruel. 

“We have discussed this with all the stakeholders and the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia and got their feedback on what amendments should be done.”

The first phase of proposed reviews has been forwarded to the cabinet. 

“Cabinet said there are still things that need to be improved and we will continue with the process. 

“Then we will bring it to Parliament next year. There are still a few issues we have to look into on access to lawyers and the 28-day remand, which is long.” – October 16, 2019.