Allow security law detainees to defend themselves: reforms caucus
While the parliamentary caucus on reform and governance does not want to seem weak on terrorism and crime, it nonetheless wants those detained under security laws to be given adequate space to defend themselves.
"On the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Pota) and the Prevention of Crime Act (Poca), the caucus is of the opinion that security is a main issue," Anwar Ibrahim told a press conference after he chaired a caucus meeting in Parliament today...
While the parliamentary caucus on reform and governance does not want to seem weak on terrorism and crime, it nonetheless wants those detained under security laws to be given adequate space to defend themselves.
"On the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Pota) and the Prevention of Crime Act (Poca), the caucus is of the opinion that security is a main issue," Anwar Ibrahim told a press conference after chairing a caucus meeting in Parliament today.
"We do not want to seem weak or lenient on terrorism and crime at all. What we do stress is for the accused to be given enough space to defend themselves."
Anwar said that although caucus did not discuss the matter in depth during today's meeting, members are so far in agreement that they support the police in being tough on terrorism and crime.
However, he added, Sosma also provides for detention for terrorism and crime-related activities, such as wearing Islamic State T-shirts.
Noting that the police believe that such individuals may be potential perpetrators of terror, Anwar believes there should be more scrutiny.
This is so that individuals are not victimised under security laws for minor offences, he said, adding that the current security laws are tougher than the abolished Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA).
The caucus also discussed Suhakam commissioner posts, which were vacated after the previous commissioners' terms expired on April 25.
According to Anwar, the caucus wants the government to ensure that the vacant posts are filled immediately.
"We suggested that the government immediately fill the posts, because this is provided for in the rules, and the commissioners are supposed to advise the government on human rights issues."
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