KUALA LUMPUR: The government is seeking a five-year extension for the enforcement of the 28-day maximum detention period without trial under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).

       Tabling a motion for the extension in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (March 23), Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin proposed that the House move to resolve “that pursuant to sub-section 4(11) of (Sosma) to extend the enforcement of sub-section 4(5) of this Act for another five years beginning from July 31, 2022”.

       Sub-section 4(5) of Sosma provides power to the police to detain a person suspected of being involved in terrorist activities for not more than 28 days for investigation.

       Sub-section 4(11)states that Sub-section 4(5) shall be reviewed every five years and shall cease to have effect when both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara decide not to extend it.

       Hamzah also highlighted the fears of certain quarters who claimed Sosma was being arbitrarily used to carry out political detentions.

       “Those who are against extending the enforcement for another five years are those who will give space to terrorists and criminals to rule.

       “Meanwhile, individuals who love the country and peace will definitely give enough space to the police to carry out its duties.

       “It is the best mechanism in dealing with security threats and needs to be extended for another five years from July 31,” he said.

       This will be the second time an extension of the 28-day detention period is being sought since the Act came into force on July 31, 2012.

       The first five-year extension was approved in 2017.