A policy paper proposing amendments to the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) will be presented to the Cabinet in August, says home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Winding up the debate on Suhakam’s 2023 annual report in the Dewan Rakyat today, Saifuddin said among the key reforms being considered is Section 13 of the law, which bars bail for most offences.
“There are at least two issues we’re focusing on, including Section 13, which has been raised by many MPs (throughout the debate). This concerns the issue of bailable, non-bailable, and unbailable offences,” he said.
Saifuddin said the second issue involves the scope of offences listed under Sosma.
“There are currently 73 types of offences that can lead to a person being detained under Sosma.
“In our engagement sessions, we have so far identified 13 offences that will be removed from the list of offences on which Sosma can be applied,” he said, adding that these sessions are still ongoing.
However, Saifuddin did not disclose which offences were being removed.
Earlier, Hassan Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) urged Putrajaya to review Sosma, especially Section 13 of the Act, which imposes a blanket no-bail rule for most offences.
In February, Saifuddin was reported to have said that the government was considering allowing bail for certain offences and shortening the 28-day detention period under Sosma. A special committee was formed to study the proposals.
Sosma was enforced in 2012 by the Najib Razak administration after the Internal Security Act (ISA) was abolished the same year.
Under Sosma, police officers may arrest and detain an individual, whom they believe is involved in security offences, without a warrant.
In his winding-up speech, Saifuddin also said Putrajaya is open to reviewing the idea of setting up a special court to handle Sosma cases, amid concerns over long-drawn trials.
“Is the view of Bukit Jelutong (RSN Rayer) for a special court to be set up appropriate? This engagement session gives Jelutong ample opportunity to put forward his views,” Saifuddin told the Dewan Rakyat.
“Provide the justification, provide the rationale. If it is considered a reasonable improvement, we will review it,” he said.
