This is the second time under the “Madani” (civil and compassionate) government that family members of detainees under Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) have resorted to a hunger strike outside the same prison (ie Sungai Buloh Prison) to demand the fundamental right to a fair trial.
Instead of responding with accountability, the government has hindered their right to peaceful assembly under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution, deploying barbed wire barricades, thus forcing these families to camp right by the roadside.
This is bullying and an outright abuse of power.
The families are not criminals. They are demanding what the government itself once promised: the long-overdue amendments to Sosma.
Despite engagements done with NGOs and family members of Sosma detainees dating back two years and recommendations submitted, there has been no progress.
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Instead, the Madani government has reverted to the same old narrative of ‘relevance’ for Sosma’s draconian provisions, ignoring the very reforms that many who are currently in government once championed.
The government must stop hiding behind empty promises. The home minister and relevant policymakers must meet these families immediately and receive their memorandum.
Beyond immediate engagement, the Madani government must impose without delay a moratorium on the use of Sosma.
The long-delayed Sosma amendments, including that on bail, must also be tabled in Parliament without further excuses.
Sevan Doraisamy is executive director of Suaram.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
