Kuala lumpur: The Home Ministry (KDN) is set to initiate amendments to the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA), with the Cabinet having approved the proposal in principle last Friday. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced that the amendments aim to introduce a classification system to determine bail eligibility based on the severity of offences.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the proposed changes stipulate that bail would not be available for offences carrying prison sentences between 20 and 30 years. For less severe offences, discretion would be given to the court or based on recommendations from the Deputy Public Prosecutor. Saifuddin Nasution stated that the Home Ministry plans to conduct engagement sessions, studies, and discussions, with hopes of tabling the amendments during the July or August parliamentary session.
In response to a query from Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor) regarding the possibility of a moratorium during the amendment process, Saifuddin Nasution mentioned that the issue had not yet been discussed. On the topic of citizenship, he highlighted that since December 2022, the Home Ministry has resolved 52,444 citizenship applications, reducing the backlog to 3,738 cases as of December 31 last year. The ministry aims to inform applicants of outcomes within a year, a significant improvement from the previous five to 33 years waiting period.
In a separate matter, Saifuddin Nasution addressed the ongoing investigation into the fatal shooting of three men in Durian Tunggal, Melaka. Police are currently awaiting technical reports, including pathology, ballistics, and gunshot residue findings, before referring the investigation papers to the Attorney General's Chambers for further instructions. The incident, which occurred on November 24 last year, involved the shooting of three men aged 24 to 29, following an alleged attack on a policeman. However, the families of the deceased disputed the allegations, leading to a reclassification of the case as a murder investigation by the Attorney General's Chambers.
The Dewan Rakyat session will continue tomorrow.