The Home Ministry (KDN) is expected to table a new bill to act against those who slander and insult Islam and the royal institution via the alternative media.     

Deputy Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said this is due to the  increase of such cases in recent years and the government stand not to ban the internet.     

"These things often happen and must be addressed immediately. So when the bill is tabled in the Senate, I hope it will be supported," he said when winding up debate on the Security Offences (Special Measures) (Sosma) (Amendment) Bill 2013 in Dewan Negara, Kuala Lumpur today.     

The Sosma bill aims to amend two sections, Section 6 and Section 30 to enhance enforcement against the criminals.     

Amendment of Section 6 seeks to limit the approval to intercept communication on information linked to crime and security and not for political purposes.     

Interception of communication by the service provider could only be done after obtaining permission from the deputy public prosecutor (DPP) and not any police officer, including the inspector general of police.     

"The DPP is chosen because he is free from political influence," said Wan Junaidi.     

Section 30 seeks to make minor amendments to the text involving translation.     

Under this section, the DPP is allowed to appeal within 10 days so that individuals released by the court do not leave the country.     

The amendments to these sections under SOSMA were later passed. Dewan Negara  also passed the Prisons (Amendment) Bill 2013.     

- Bernama