Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor) wondered if the investigation was appropriate given Putrajaya’s stance that the law needs to be reformed.

“So why investigate a valid demonstration?” Ramkarpal, a former deputy law and institutional reform minister, said at the Dewan Rakyat today.

On Feb 9, Malaysiakini reported that police had launched a probe into the gathering, which called for Sosma to be abolished.

Sungai Buloh police chief Hafiz Nor said the authorities were investigating the gathering under Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

The said section deals with failure to provide a notice on assemblies.

Chow Yu Hui (PH-Raub) also said the probe was unwarranted.

“Sosma must be abolished.”

The families of Sosma detainees had over the weekend camped outside the Sungai Buloh prison to protest over their visit applications being rejected.

They also went on a hunger strike, which lasted for a day, in solidarity with the detainees, after human rights commission Suhakam said it would investigate claims of inadequate medical care and delayed trials faced by several Sosma detainees.

Abolish Sosma, say MPs

Separately, five former Pakatan Harapan MPs also urged the government to abolish Sosma, saying it was time for the home ministry to be accountable for treatment of detainees remanded under the Act.

Ong Kian Ming, Khalid Samad, Kasthuri Patto, Noor Amin Ahmad and Maria Chin Abdullah said the Madani government should conduct a review of Sosma, particularly to assess whether it was still necessary.

“There have been too many reports and protests from detainees over poor treatment and long delays in their court hearings. Such abuse of procedures must end.

“As a former detainee who has met with some Sosma detainees, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will understand the plight that they go through.

“As Parliament is sitting, MPs and the Cabinet can begin the discussion to end these undemocratic procedures and legislation,” they said in a joint statement.