No one safe from being probed under Sosma, warns MP

 

Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto, flanked by other PH MPs, speaking in support of Suaram’s memorandum opposing Sosma.

KUALA LUMPUR: An opposition MP has warned the public that the authorities could use the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2021 (Sosma) to investigate anyone, and not just suspected terrorists.

Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto, who received a memorandum opposing the Act from rights group Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) at the Parliament building, said Sosma could even be used against journalists if police reports had been lodged against them.

“That is the issue here, the MPs could be next, even the Speaker could be next. This is how abusive this law is,” she said.

Last week, the House approved the extension of a provision allowing a 28-day detention under Sosma despite a fiery debate.

One hundred and five MPs voted in favour, 83 against, while the remaining 32 were absent.

Home minister Hamzah Zainudin had re-tabled the motion after it was voted down during the last parliamentary meeting.

Hamzah had tabled the motion in March to extend the enforcement of the 28-day maximum detention period for another five years after it expires on July 31. It was defeated, with 85 MPs voting in favour and 86 against. The remaining 49 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.

Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah says she is living proof of Sosma being misused for political reasons.

Also present to receive the memorandum were Fahmi Fadzil (Lembah Pantai), Wong Chen (Subang), Maria Chin Abdullah (Petaling Jaya) and R Sivarasa (Sungai Buloh).

Suaram coordinator Azura Nasron criticised the home minister for retabling the bill after it had failed to get sufficient support in the Dewan Rakyat on March 23.

The group also called for the government not to proceed with the extension and suggested improving the methods used by the police, the judiciary and other parties when investigating cases under Sosma.

It also said all Sosma provisions must be refined through the re-establishment of a technical committee, as was the case during the former Pakatan Harapan government.

Maria said she was proof of Sosma’s potential abuse.

She was detained in November 2016, when she was the Bersih chairman, under Sections 124B and C of the Penal Code, for “undermining Parliamentary democracy”.

“This section can be misused to detain politicians and members of civil society, so don’t tell us lies by saying Sosma will not be used for political reasons.

“I am living proof of (authorities) misusing that section and using Sosma as the procedure to detain me.” - FMT