Sosma currently imposes a blanket no-bail rule for most offences, except in cases involving women, minors, or individuals who are sick.
Giving his ministerial explanation in the Dewan Rakyat today, Saifuddin said the government might also establish a dedicated Sosma court, similar to those which handle corruption and human trafficking cases, to ensure speedier trials.
The review will also examine the 28-day detention rule, including the possibility of dividing it into shorter phases, as well as Section 30 of the act, which mandates that acquitted detainees remain in custody pending an appeal.
Saifuddin said a special committee will review these aspects, with findings to be presented in the upcoming Dewan Rakyat session from June 23 to July 31.
Sosma was enforced in 2012 by Najib Razak’s administration after the Internal Security Act was abolished the same year.
Under Sosma, police officers may arrest and detain an individual whom they believe is involved in security offences without a warrant.
Despite these proposed changes, Saifuddin told the Dewan Rakyat that the government remained firm on security laws to combat terrorism, organised crime, and cross-border threats.
“While we move in this direction, it does not mean that the Madani government is taking a lax approach or underestimating the need for laws to address the threats of organised crime and terrorism, which still exist in our country,” he said.
Saifuddin earlier showed MPs photos and videos of crime scenes, including brutal killings linked to organised crime, drug syndicates, and terrorism, saying this was why Sosma was still needed.
Among the cases he mentioned was the murder of a man shot at a traffic light in Kuala Lumpur by gang members trying to take over drug territory.
“The video we watched earlier showed a crime happening in broad daylight. He stopped at the traffic light. A motorcycle-riding assailant opened fire,” he said, stressing the need for tough laws against gang violence.
Saifuddin also gave the example of the Ulu Tiram police station attack, where a young militant killed two cops before being shot dead.
He said police later found two books in his home, one on correcting Quranic recitation and another on jihad.
Saifuddin also said that some gangs had corrupt policemen and military officers on their payroll, such as the migrant-smuggling “Otong Gang”, which was helped by eight police officers and five military personnel.
He also spoke about the “Upik” drug syndicate, which he said laundered millions through restaurants and businesses in areas such as petrochemicals, tourism, and construction.
He said authorities had seized RM6.6 million in luxury cars, RM420,000 in bank accounts, and even a ferry used for trafficking drugs.