Human rights group Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) has reiterated its call for the government to repeal the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) as the families of detainees have initiated a hunger strike.
Its director Zaid Malek emphasised the paramount importance of the government repealing the act, stating that doing so will allow the families to cease their strike before it takes a toll on their health.
In addition, he advocated for the detainees to be afforded the opportunity to undergo regular criminal procedures, ensuring they can promptly seek bail and access due process.
“It is harrowing that ordinary family members, including children, have had to resort to this extreme measure of hunger strike as a consequence of the current government’s outright refusal to repeal Sosma.
“Their desperation in going on the hunger strike exemplifies the cruel and arbitrary nature of this law; it is the only way for these powerless families to voice out in the face of the massive power of the state,” Zaid said in a statement today.
On Monday, relatives of Sosma detainees announced that they are staging a hunger strike outside of Sungai Buloh prison to demand that the detainees be freed.
It was reported that 100 family members of 69 Sosma detainees are taking part in the strike.
Sosma is a controversial law which allows up to 28 days of detention.
Among others, the law also allows a police officer not below the rank of the superintendent to deny a detainee access to their next of kin or lawyer for up to 48 hours if there were reasonable grounds to do so.
Harapan once a vocal critic
Meanwhile, Zaid also reiterated his criticism of the government for backing down on its promises, specifically against Pakatan Harapan as the coalition was once a vocal critic of the act during its time in opposition.
Last December, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail defended Sosma saying the law allows the court process to take place, unlike others like the now-defunct Internal Security Act (ISA) and emergency ordinances (EO).
However, later the government said it was planning to "review" certain Sosma provisions but human rights activists are still pushing for a complete repeal.
“It is abhorrent that the so-called reformist coalition is so quick to go back on their promises and principles after holding power, despite making a show to the Malaysian public that they are proponents of the rule of law and fundamental liberties.
“A government that is truly premised on reform would not allow the continued existence of laws allowing detention without trial or conviction under their rule,” Zaid said. - Mkini
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