DAP veteran Lim Guan Eng has called on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to urgently amend the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) within three months, arguing that the government should demonstrate the same speed shown in recent legal reforms.
In a statement, Lim said the government has no justification for delaying reforms to SOSMA, which he described as containing oppressive provisions. He said the current administration should reflect its commitment to institutional reform, human rights, and the rule of law by revisiting the legislation promptly.
He contrasted the situation with recent directives by Anwar, who had instructed that amendments to the Majlis Amanah Rakyat Act 1966 be completed within a three-month timeframe to strengthen governance in the Bumiputera development agency.
Lim also referenced remarks by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who said draft amendments to the MARA Act could be brought to Cabinet within weeks, suggesting that similar urgency should be applied to SOSMA reforms.
He further recalled Anwar’s past position in March 2022, when the opposition bloc opposed the extension of Section 4(5) of SOSMA, which allows detention of up to 28 days without immediate court access for investigations.
Lim also cited a recent case involving a 16-year-old girl who was detained under SOSMA for nine days earlier this year, claiming the experience had been distressing and raised concerns about detainee welfare.
He questioned the application of Section 13 of SOSMA, which generally restricts bail for security offences but allows exceptions for minors, women, or individuals with health conditions, suggesting that it may not have been properly applied in the case.
