A PROVISION allowing bail for detainees is being considered as part of the recommendations to improve the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma). 

Deputy Legal and Institutional Reform Minister Ramkarpal Singh said efforts to improve the Act were now almost complete. 

He said several engagement sessions with stakeholders like the Home Ministry, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Attorney-General’s Chambers and family members of Sosma detainees had been held and the recommendations received would be presented to cabinet soon. 

“The recommendation to allow bail (for Sosma detainees) is an issue we are looking into now. Repeal (of the Act) is not in the pipeline, but we are looking into improvements,” he told reporters today. 

Currently, a person arrested under Sosma cannot be granted bail, with exceptions made for juveniles (those below 18), women, and sick or infirm individuals, subject to a court’s discretion.  

Ramkarpal said all Sosma improvements would not be implemented in one go but would be done in stages. 

In February, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the unity government did not intend to repeal the Act but would make improvements. 

Saifuddin said it was because PDRM still needed the law to take immediate action against threats to the nation’s sovereignty.  

Earlier in his speech, Ramkarpal called on members of the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) to continue to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and mutual respect in line with the concept of Madani Malaysia, which emphasises unity. 

In conjunction with the 66th National Day, BHEUU has organised a number of activities including a Jalur Gemilang (national flag) raising ceremony, independence talks, and a visit to the Declaration of Independence Memorial in Malacca. – Bernama, August 23, 2023.