The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) is concerned that provisions of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) could violate the human rights of detainees.

NONE It said in its 2012 annual report, released yesterday, that certain provisions are not in line with its  2003 report on the Internal Security Act (ISA) and recommendations for a new security law.

The annual report went on to say that:

- Section 4 (of Sosma) does not provide judicial oversight when the detention period is extended up to 28 days.

- Section 5 allows the police to deny immediate access to legal representation for a period of up to 48 hours.

- Section 6 permits the interception of communication which may infringe personal liberty and the right to privacy.

- Section 30 compels the court, upon application by the public prosecutor, to commit an acquitted person pending exhaustion of all appeals.

Suhakam urged the release of the 15 detainees still being held under the ISA and called on the government to accord them their right to a fair trail.

azlan It also echoed calls for a moratorium on the death penalty and for the abolition of the mandatory death sentence for drug trafficking.  

“The commission ... reaffirms its stance that such punishment is considered to be cruel inhuman and degrading,” it said in the annual report.

"The commission welcomes the proposal to review and ultimately abolish the mandatory death penalty for drug offences and to allow the court discretion to determine punishment based on the gravity of the offence."

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