The motion, tabled by home minister Hamzah Zainudin, was approved by a majority voice vote.

He said the extension of the sub-section’s enforcement was necessary to deal with threats to the country’s sovereignty, security and public order.

Sub-section 4(5) of Sosma, among others, states that a police officer with the rank of superintendent or higher may extend detention for a period not exceeding 28 days for the purpose of investigations.

Hamzah, in winding up the debate on the motion, denied that the extension would allow oppression or cruelty against detainees.

He said detainees’ basic rights and their right to see a lawyer and for the next-of-kin to be informed about the arrest were already in the Act.

“Section 5 of Sosma provides the suspect with the right to be informed of the reason for the arrest.

“The suspect is also given the right to be tried in court under Section 12 of Sosma,” he said.

A total of 24 senators participated in the debate session.

Yesterday, the Dewan Rakyat approved the motion after bloc voting, in which 111 MPs voted in support of the motion and 88 MPs voted against, while 21 MPs were absent.