No decision yet on Sosma, says deputy minister

Azis says abolishing Sosma involves many segments and all views will be considered to ensure authorities are protected in carrying out security duties.

Deputy Home Minister Mohd Azis Jamman says all views need to be considered before a decision is made on Sosma. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed abolition of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) is still under review as it will affect authorities in discharging their duties to combat security offences and threats.

Deputy Home Minister Mohd Azis Jamman said the government was still considering views of various quarters such as the authorities, judiciary and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which will be evaluated from various angles.

“The abolition of Sosma will involve many quarters, hence all views need to be considered because through this act, the authorities are protected and they could perform their duties to combat crime.

“It will be quite disadvantageous if there is no ‘protection’. There are various serious criminal cases such as terrorist activities that require the use of this act.

“Sosma is good and also significant. However, we are concerned that the Act can also be abused for political purposes,” he said after opening the 22nd Asean Directors-General of Immigration Departments and Heads of Consular Affairs Divisions of Ministries of Foreign Affairs Meeting (DGICM) today.

On July 22, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the government would abolish laws that oppress the people, especially Sosma. -FMT