Amid concerns that the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 is being abused, former attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail defended the law as necessary and as having good safeguards against abuse.

The special investigative powers and procedures provided by Sosma have proved useful during the 2012 Lahad Datu incursion and in dealing with militants from the self-proclaimed Islamic State, Gani said.