Govt to reassess Sosma, refugee policies against current needs, says home minister

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has called for a thorough reassessment of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) and the refugee policies, to ensure they remain relevant to the present circumstances and national needs. Saifuddin, who led a discussion on the two matters, emphasized that these policies should not be evaluated from a singular standpoint, but rather, scrutinized in the light of recent developments, on-the-ground challenges, and future approaches.

During a Facebook post, he highlighted that discussion platforms like this are crucial, as they aim to implement measures that are not just timely, but also well-founded and aligned with the current context. The Sosma, enacted in 2012, grants authorities special measures to handle security offenses, supplanting the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA), which was later repealed.

The law has faced scrutiny for its provisions and implementation. Simultaneously, the refugee crisis, especially concerning those fleeing Myanmar, has garnered substantial public attention in recent months, sparking debates over national security, humanitarian concerns, and the administration of refugee populations.