As hundreds of Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) detainees take part in a hunger strike, attorney-general Tommy Thomas has assured that the contentious security law will soon be abolished.
“The law will go soon, subject to consultation with many ministries.
“It is just a matter of time,” he was quoted as saying by Free Malaysia Today.
Since yesterday, 215 Sosma detainees being held at the Sungai Buloh prison have been on a hunger strike to call on the Pakatan Harapan government to hold true to its promise to abolish Sosma.
They vowed to continue with the protest until the government gives its assurance that the law will be abolished or they receive a discharge not amounting to an acquittal.
Most of the detainees were arrested for alleged links to organised crimes.
Today also saw about 200 family members gather outside the prison, calling on Putrajaya to release their fathers, sons, and husbands from detention.
The Home Ministry has set up a special committee – comprising the police, Suhakam and the Bar Council – to review existing security laws which are said to infringe upon human rights.
Sosma allows police to detain individuals for up to 28 days.
RELATED REPORTS
Prison chief assures Sosma detainees on hunger strike will be looked after
