COMMENT | When I read the news that the Dewan Rakyat had approved the motion to extend the enforcement of Section 4(5) of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) for another five years from July 31, I was deeply disappointed.

My disappointment was compounded when it was reported that MPs from Bersatu and PAS had also supported the Sosma extension. These are people who previously spoke up against the draconian nature of Sosma; now they voted to support the very same Act they opposed.

For whatever reasons, they have now changed their stand.

I have represented many persons who were detained and later tried under the Sosma provisions. They are purported...