Table Sosma amendments by July, govt urged

 

Suaram executive director Sevan Doraisamy called for the proposed amendments to the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat in the next sitting which starts in June. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Civil rights NGO Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) has urged the government to table the proposed amendments to the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, or Sosma, in the next parliamentary sitting without further delay.

In a statement today, Suaram executive director Sevan Doraisamy also said the NGO agrees that a special committee be established to refine the amendments.

However, he said it was “crucial” for the committee to include non-government stakeholders such as criminologists and civil society organisations.

“Limiting discussions to security agencies alone risks serious violations of one’s right to a fair trial, as enabled by Sosma, being unaddressed.

“As the special committee deliberates on the proposed amendments, the rights of detainees must remain a primary consideration,” he said.

Sevan also called for due process safeguards, such as evidentiary standards, to be reviewed to ensure fair trial rights were strengthened for detainees.

Earlier today, home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced in the Dewan Rakyat that the government would review the bail and 28-day detention period for Sosma.

He said a special committee would review these aspects, with findings to be presented in the next Dewan Rakyat session from June 23 to July 31.

Saifuddin added that the government was looking into establishing a dedicated Sosma court, similar to those that handle corruption and human trafficking cases, to ensure speedier trials. - FMT