160 Sosma detainees protest law with hunger strike

PETALING JAYA: At least 160 detainees, held under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, are on a hunger strike at the Sungai Buloh Prison. They want Sosma repealed.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman said he had instructed the Prisons Department to monitor the situation.

“I asked for ambulances and medical officers to be on standby.

“Prisons officers have also been told to assure the detainees and their family members that Sosma is being reviewed by the government,” he said yesterday.

The 160 are among 215 persons held under Sosma at the prison.

They began the hunger strike on Friday.

Several of their family members gathered outside the prison yesterday to show their support for the detainees’ cause.

Mohd Azis said that Sosma was still being reviewed and a special committee was formed for the purpose.

“We cannot make hasty decisions as all views must be taken into account,” he added.

“These include the views of law enforcement agencies.”

The special committee includes the Attorney General’s Chambers, Suhakam, the police and NGOs.

“When it has completed the review, the committee will hand its proposals to the Cabinet,” said Mohd Azis.

“The final decision rests with the Prime Minister.”

On July 22, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the government would repeal laws that were oppressive, namely Sosma.

The Prime Minister said the Act, which was introduced during the previous administration, allowed the government to arrest anyone arbitrarily.