PETALING JAYA – The home ministry is currently reviewing 73 offences under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) as part of ongoing efforts to reform the law, according to Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He stated that the review aligns with a Cabinet directive to reassess Sosma, particularly in determining which offences should be eligible for bail, thus restoring judicial discretion in such cases.
“We are now scrutinising these 73 offences to determine which can be made eligible for bail, effectively restoring that power to the courts. This is a significant shift for us and several key stakeholders,” he said during a breaking of fast event with media practitioners in Putrajaya.
The ministry is also reviewing Section 30 of Sosma, which has been a subject of debate in stakeholder discussions. The section mandates that a suspect detained beyond 28 days must remain in custody throughout court proceedings, including at the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Federal Court.
“Through our engagement sessions, many have argued that this section warrants reconsideration,” Saifuddin said. He reiterated the unity government’s commitment to reforming Sosma while ensuring a balance between national security and individual rights.
Sosma, introduced in 2012 under Najib Razak’s administration following the abolition of the Internal Security Act, grants police the authority to arrest and detain individuals without a warrant if they are believed to be involved in security offences.