‘Abolishing Sosma makes room for racial, religious provocations’

KUALA LUMPUR: The abolishment of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) will lead to racial and religious provocations on social media.

Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the government should realise that the country was facing a security threat.

“When there is a change in the political landscape, laws such as Sosma and the Sedition Act are timely, but, at the same time, justice is a priority in protecting suspected individuals’ rights.

“Umno fears that there are people waiting for this opportunity to spread sedition and propaganda among the people.

“The possible outcome is frightening, and people will no longer feel safe.

“Umno questions the logic of this abolishment to preserve public order, when there are people challenging the institution of Malay rulers and seeking to create tension among the people.”

Zahid, who is former home minister, said Sosma was different from the Internal Security Act (ISA) as Sosma offenders were not treated arbitrarily.

He said the previous government had never thought of political gains in drafting the laws.

“Umno and Barisan Nasional do not want to blamed if the abolishment of the law turns Malaysia into a cowboy state.”

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Sunday said the government would abolish the controversial law passed in 2012.

Pakatan Harapan pledged to abolish several laws, including Sosma, the National Security Council Act and other laws said to oppress people.

The Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) urged the government to gather feedback from police and stakeholders to ensure that the abolishment of Sosma would not lead to an increase in crime and terrorist activities.

MCPF senior vice-president Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the crime rate increased after ISA was repealed in 2012.

Lee said he respected Dr Mahathir’s good intention in announcing the abolishment of the law, but it should be reviewed through consultation with police and other stakeholders.

“While we fight for human rights and the rights of those detained, it is important that we protect the rights of crime victims.”

Suara Rakyat Malaysia, in welcoming the move, said since Sosma was enforced in July 2012, more than 1,600 people had been detained under the act.

Its executive director, Sevan Doraisamy, said despite assurance by the previous government, there were cases of former ISA detainees being deprived of a fair trial.

“We want the government to temporarily cease the use of Sosma pending its abolishment and release juvenile detainees under the act, as well as the Prevention of Crime Act (Poca) 1959, Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 (Pota) and Dangerous Drugs Act (Special Preventive Measures) 1985.

“They include 159 underage detainees under Poca and Sosma. They ( juvenile detainees) should undergo rehabilitation before being released.”

He hoped that the government would review Poca and Pota.