Kuala Lumpur: The principle of justice, which seeks a balance between the duty to safeguard national security and public order while respecting individual human rights, will be the focus of the Ministerial Statement on the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA) 2012.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the government is prepared to review SOSMA, particularly certain sections of the Act, but there is also a rationale for its continued use, specifically in cases involving organised crime and extreme terrorism.

He mentioned that he will table the ministerial statement on the direction of SOSMA from the perspective of government decisions, including a review of certain sections of the Act in Parliament next week. Saifuddin noted, “Perhaps, it is high time for the government to review, particularly Section 13 which relates to bailable and non-bailable offences.”

Saifuddin further explained that the Cabinet has also examined the specific contexts in which SOSMA is used. He emphasized that in cases of organised crime or extreme security-related issues, such as gangsterism, SOSMA is deemed the appropriate legal framework. “Those are not ordinary crimes,” he stated after attending the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency’s two-decade anniversary celebration at the Karpal Singh Drive.

The Home Minister also highlighted that over the past two years, the Home Ministry has engaged in consultations with various stakeholders, including security experts and relevant organisations, to gather insights regarding the Act.

In addition, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for a review and amendment of the Act. Fahmi, serving as the spokesperson for the MADANI government, confirmed that Saifuddin will soon present the details in Parliament.