Gov’t to amend draconian laws as soon as possible – Dr M
The government will amend ‘draconian’ laws such as the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 as soon as possible to prevent its abuse, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He told reporters in Putrajaya that the matter had been brought up during the Pakatan Harapan Presidential Council meeting at the Perdana Leadership Foundation tonight...
The government will amend ‘draconian’ laws such as the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 as soon as possible to prevent its abuse, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He told reporters in Putrajaya that the matter had been brought up during the Pakatan Harapan Presidential Council meeting at the Perdana Leadership Foundation tonight.
“Although we may not be able to do away with such laws completely, we will amend it such that parts which are said to be draconian - such as those that pertain to arrest and detention without being charged - would be changed.
“This includes the provisions found in Sosma, for example. The changes would be done as soon as possible because if this is not done, there is a possibility it would be abused,” he said.
He said the amendments would be tabled during the current parliamentary session if possible, or during the next session.
The current parliamentary session runs until Dec 5.
In its election manifesto, Pakatan Harapan had promised to abolish “oppressive” laws.
Among others, it promised to abolish the Sedition Act 1948, Prevention of Crime Act 1959, Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, and the mandatory death penalty.
It also promised to abolish draconian provisions in other laws, such as portions of Sosma, the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, and the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015.
Asked whether the renewed push to abolish draconian laws is related to recent arrests and charges against suspected Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam sympathisers, Mahathir said, “We had made these promises before but we were delayed because of certain factors.
“So, we now feel we should take action immediately in case they are misused again.”
The police had previously held 12 individuals under Sosma, before charging them under Section 130J of the Penal Code for allegedly supporting the defunct terrorist organisation.
Two of the 12 are DAP assemblypersons G Saminathan and P Gunasekaran.
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