How does the OSA 1972 affect the release of the Pastor Koh report?

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The Official Secrets Act 1972 Governs the Release of the Pastor Koh Report

The Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) will provide Pastor Raymond Koh's family and their legal team with a copy of the task force report concerning his disappearance. This report is classified under Malaysia's Official Secrets Act 1972 (OSA 1972), a designation that influences its dissemination. KDN has clarified that the document provided will be without a watermark, a measure taken to facilitate the government's ability to identify document ownership should it be disseminated.
Classification Under the Official Secrets Act 1972

The Special Task Force report on Pastor Koh's disappearance is considered a government document and is subject to the provisions of the Official Secrets Act 1972. This classification means that the document's disclosure is restricted, and its handling must adhere to specific governmental security protocols. The Security Directive (Revision and Amendment 2017) also applies to the management of this report.
Rationale for Watermarking Government Documents

KDN explained that watermarked paper is typically used for official government documents to enable identification of the document's ownership. This practice is a security measure designed to trace the origin of the document if it were to be disseminated or leaked. The decision to provide the report without a watermark to the family and legal team indicates a specific accommodation in this instance, following advice from the Attorney General's Chambers.
Ensuring Report Security

The Ministry of Home Affairs has engaged with the Office of the Chief Government Security Officer of Malaysia (CGSO) to investigate the matter. This collaboration aims to ensure that the security of the Special Task Force Report is maintained, despite the decision to release a copy without watermarks to the family and their legal representatives. The investigation seeks to uphold the integrity and confidentiality protocols associated with classified government materials.

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How does the OSA 1972 affect the release of the Pastor Koh report?

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