He said the government wanted to make sure that those accused under the act would get a fair trial and, at the same time, not jeopardise security and order in the country.

“Sosma is not our doing but that of the previous BN (Barisan Nasional) government.

“We are figuring out the best way to protect both sides — national security and the accused’s rights. We want to be fair.

“We want it to be a win-win situation, where the country is safe and so is the accused,” he told reporters after visiting cookie seller Nazihah Hamid, 38, in conjunction with the “Unsung Hero” programme in Kampung Sungai Tembak near here today.

Nazihah’s husband is a Sosma detainee jailed last year for possessing Islamic State-related materials and donating to the militant group’s activities. They have six children.

Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced on Dec 30 last year the government would maintain Sosma and the Prevention of Crime Act (Amendment), or Poca, with some amendments.

Hanipa admitted that he did not agree with the act, based on his experience as a lawyer and 25-year involvement in human rights issues.

He said it contained unfair provisions, including that an individual could be detained for a maximum of 28 days, former convicts being fitted with electronic monitoring devices, and allowing police to deny the accused access to their families and lawyers for up to 48 hours after detention.

“We hope Sosma detainees are treated fairly. That is important,” he said.

Hanipa said the Unsung Hero programme was mooted by him and had been implemented since last July.

He viewed Nazihah as an unsung hero and a great mother for raising her six children in her husband’s absence.

“I chose to come here after hearing your story, about your husband’s detention and how you are raising your six children without him by your side. For me, you are a great person,” he said.