The Malaysian Insight

POLICE have been instructed to come out with new guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOP) when arresting suspects under security laws currently being studied by a special committee.

Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said six existing preventive laws are being studied and until they are amended or repealed, a new SOP must be in place to deal with detainees.

“I have ordered the police to come up with a new SOP to handle the cases involving the arrest of individuals under the country’s security laws,” Muhyiddin said.

“I have also instructed the police to use their discretion when it comes to cases involving the freedom of speech, the freedom to assemble and march so long as it does not affect public order.”

There will be no moratorium on security laws that are deemed controversial until there is a decision from the government to repeal them, he said.

Muhyiddin said laws like the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 (Pota) and Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (Poca) will still be enforced but the police would not use them erroneously.

“The laws are still in place. What is important is the action we take for certain cases. As long as the laws are not abolished or amended, they are still there,” he told reporters in a press conference today.

The Pagoh MP added that there will be new rules for the police in the meantime so that these laws are not be abused. 

“I have urged for the police to prepare a new SOP so that the people do not misunderstand.

“While measures are being taken to amend the laws, the police will not act like before.”

Putrajaya has formed a task force to look into amending the security laws in line with Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto.

The task force is chaired by the chief secretary of the Home Ministry Alwi Ibrahim together with representatives from Suhakam, Bar Council, Attorney-General’s Chambers, the police, former judges, lawyers and academics.

“The task force is reviewing Sosma, Poca, Pota, Sedition Act, Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (PPPA) and the Peaceful Assembly Act as well as the use of the mandatory death penalty,” Muhyiddin said.

The task force has met three times since July, he said.

The task force has completed its report which the A-G’s Chambers is studying.

He added that the ministry will prepare a memorandum for ministers to decide on whether to repeal or amend the security laws.

“The report is being studied and the Home Ministry will submit a memorandum to all ministers soon.

“After the decision is made by the ministers, the A-G’s Chambers will prepare a new bill that will be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat.

“Some parts of the new bill will be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat sitting in November or fully during the next parliamentary session.”

Earlier today, a group of activists and families of those currently being held under security laws marched to parliament to hand over a memorandum to Muhyiddin, calling for the repeal of these controversial laws. – October 24, 2018.