'Overkill': Govt MP blasts police for using Sosma, M16 rifles in GISBH case

PARLIAMENT | Government MP Hassan Abdul Karim (Harapan-Pasir Gudang) has blasted the Home Ministry and police over what he described as an “overkill” in their handling of the Global Ikhwan Services and Businesses Holdings (GISBH) case.

Speaking at the Dewan Rakyat this afternoon, Hassan questioned the authorities’ decision to utilise the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) 2012 against some 50 members of the group accused of practising a deviant Islamic teaching.

“What is Sosma? It is a law that pertains to terrorism and threats against national security.

“The question is, does GISBH’s deviation from Islamic teaching fall under the ambit of security offence? Are child abuse and modern slavery offences considered security offences?

“I would like to seek the home minister’s explanation on this. Because this is an abuse of Sosma,” he said when debating the issue of GISBH.

The Dewan Rakyat today held a special session to discuss the GISBH scandal, which began with three ministers reading out their respective “ministerial statements” containing a brief summary of authorities’ findings on the group and their plans on how to help the group’s victims.

Treat them justly

Adding further, Hassan (above) said while GISBH members suspected of crimes should be investigated and tried for their alleged offences, the individuals still have rights and should not be treated unjustly.

“I watched on television how GISBH members were escorted (by police) armed with M16 (assault rifles).

“Eh, are these people terrorists like those (who waged war) in Lahad Datu? They are not.

“Do not (go into) overkill, do not overdo it,” Hassan stressed.

In his speech, Hassan also shared his suspicion that authorities were only using Sosma as a tool to prolong the detention of GISBH members without having to take them to court.

“So, home minister, please answer this here. What is your justification for using Sosma?

“Is it being used so you won’t have to review and repeal Sosma?

“This is against the concept of this Reformasi and Madani government.”

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