KUALA LUMPUR - The Dewan Rakyat today rejected a government motion to renew a provision under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) which would have granted authorities the power to detain suspects for 28 days without trial.
There were 86 voting against while 84 voted to renew the tenure for the provision, 50 MPs were absent.
They are rejected Section 4(5) of Sosma, which allows for detention without trial for up to 28 days.
This means the provision will no longer be in force once it lapses on July 31, 2022. However, the government could put for a vote again.
The motion was tabled by Home Minister Hamzah Zainuddin earlier today. It was debated by 19 MPs with most of them stating that the draconian laws were open to abuse of power, further stating that it denies detainees' rights to seek legal advise.
Hamzah had said the extension to the provision was crucial as the police need time to probe special crimes that require complex and extensive scrutiny, as it involves syndicates or requires assistance from law enforcement agencies in other countries.
This includes terrorism and organised crime activities, Hamzah had told the Dewan Rakyat.