Sosma decision in Dewan does not violate MoU, says Loke

 

Loke Siew Fook says it was a pivotal moment for the opposition to have been able to defeat a motion tabled by the government. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: The rejection of a motion under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) does not contravene the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Putrajaya, DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook said today.

In a Facebook live post, he stressed that the decision by PH MPs to vote against the extension of a provision in Sosma for another five years does not threaten the MoU at all.

“The coalition had not violated their obligation even though we voted against this motion. It is our right as MPs,” he said.

Asked whether the government could raise this motion in Parliament again before the provision expires, Loke said that it was up to the government.

“They can bring it up again but our stance on this issue will remain the same,” he said.

Home minister Hamzah Zainudin had proposed that the Dewan Rakyat extend the enforcement of sub-section 4(5) under Sosma, which allows a maximum 28-day detention without trial, for another five years beginning from July 31.

But the motion was voted down with 84 votes in favour and 86 against. The remaining 50 MPs were absent.

Sub-section 4(5) of Sosma enables police to detain a person suspected of being involved in terrorist activities for a period not exceeding 28 days for investigations.

Sub-section 4(11), meanwhile, states that sub-section 4(5) shall be reviewed every five years and shall cease to have effect when both the Dewan Rakyat and the Dewan Negara vote against extending it.

This provision must be renewed by both houses of Parliament every five years to remain valid.

Loke also pointed out that there had been no discussion with the opposition on the extension of this provision.

“It should have been discussed but since it was not, we are entitled to our stance,” he said.

Loke said although the motion would only take effect after July 31, it was a pivotal moment for the opposition to have been able to defeat a motion tabled by the government. - FMT