KUALA LUMPUR — Calls to abolish preventive laws such as the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA) and the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) should be rejected, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said.
He emphasised that while human rights are important, they must not overshadow the need to maintain national peace and security, according to a media report today.
“Do not become so focused on human rights that national security is sidelined. Do not regret it after large-scale terrorist attacks, as has happened in neighbouring countries and internationally.
“The terrorist attacks that were successfully foiled by the Special Branch happened because Malaysia had the ISA at the time. Regret is of no use after attacks occur and innocent lives are lost,” he wrote in a Facebook post yesterday.
Ayob Khan’s statement coincided with the 24th anniversary of a major Royal Malaysia Police Special Branch operation against the Jemaah Islamiah (JI) group on December 9, 2001.
The operation uncovered a militant network linked to Al-Qaeda that had planned attacks across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia. The Special Branch had been monitoring JI activities since the early 2000s, including individuals such as Abu Zulfa and Riduan Hisamudin, also known as Hambali, who were associated with Al-Qaeda.
The thwarted attacks included planned strikes on Singapore’s Woodland Immigration Centre, Bukit Aman police headquarters, entertainment centres in the Klang Valley, and foreign embassies.
Ayob Khan highlighted that preventive laws have proven effective in countering terrorist threats. He noted that several other countries, including Singapore, Brunei, the United States, Indonesia, India, and Australia, also maintain similar legislation.
“Malaysia is fortunate to have Special Branch officers and personnel who serve with full dedication. Their success has earned international recognition,” he added. – December 10, 2025