PUTRAJAYA seeks to review, not repeal the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), said Liew Vui Keong.

“We are looking into reviewing the arrest provision’s remand (detention without trial) period of 28 days, and giving detainees access to legal counsel,” the de facto law minister told reporters at the Parliament lobby today.

“But like it or not, we still need security laws in the country… We will have issues with security if we are not careful.”

He was asked whether the government will repeal Sosma, which was recently used to detain 12 people for alleged links to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

Pakatan Harapan promised to look into certain provisions of the law, and this is being done, he said.

“I, too, was involved in the committee, together with the Home Ministry.

“The plan is to have it done as quickly as we can, but we need to conduct engagements with the various stakeholders first.

“I can’t say more, as this is under the purview of the home minister.”

This morning, a group of some 30 protesters outside Parliament called on Putrajaya to repeal the law. – November 21, 2019.