Police will have a new temporary standard operating procedure in line with the government's efforts to repeal repressive laws, pending legislative moves to that effect.

Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said this is to dispel misconceptions that the Pakatan Harapan government is a harsh one.

"I have asked police to prepare a new SOP so the people understand, that while whole steps are being taken to repeal such laws, the police will not act as though such laws are still in force," Muhyiddin told reporters in the Parliament lobby today.

He said this after receiving a memorandum from families of those detained under the Security Measures (Special Offences) Act (Sosma), urging the government to repeal the law and other repressive legislation.

Muhyiddin said he hopes that efforts to repeal Sosma, the Prevention of Crime Act, Prevention of Terrorism Act and other laws would be taken by November or the next Parliament session at the latest.

[More to follow]