KUALA LUMPUR — Perikatan Nasional (PN) chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan today reminded the government of its promise while in the opposition previously, to repeal the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) while praising RSN Rayer for being the “only one” in the ruling coalition to oppose the contentious law.
While debating Budget 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat today, Takiyuddin (PN-Kota Bharu), said that while the opposition agreed with Sosma as a law, it disputed its “abuse” on Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB) Holdings members.
At this juncture, Rayer (PH-Jelutong) interjected, stating his agreement with Takiyuddin.
“I oppose the use of Sosma as a backbencher,” the DAP lawmaker said.
Takiyuddin then asked the unity government to state its stand on Sosma, noting that Pakatan Harapan when it was the opposition had been against the law which allows for 28 days of detention without the detainee being brought before a judge.
The PAS secretary-general also praised Rayer as the “only” government MP who was against Sosma, asking the latter what he proposed to do.
“I will offer my services for free to defend the GISB members,” Rayer replied.
For the record, another government backbencher, Hassan Abdul Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) has also spoken against the use of Sosma on GISB Holdings members, calling it “overboard” as the offences allegedly committed could be investigated and prosecuted under other existing laws.
Later, William Leong (PH-Selayang) also told the Dewan Rakyat it was time to review Sosma’s sunset clause on the 28-day pre-trial detention period.
Various civil society groups have questioned why using Sosma was necessary on GISB Holdings members, following police raids last month against care homes and business premises run by the company.
Previously, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the use of Sosma on GISB Holdings members was justified because of the serious nature of their alleged crimes, which included human trafficking.
Yesterday, GISB Holdings’ CEO Datuk Nasiruddin Ali and Adib At-Tamimi Ashaari, the sone of the late Al-Arqam founder, were among 21 people charged with being members of an organised criminal group. – October 24, 2024