What promise did the unity government make regarding Sosma?

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The Unity Government Has Pledged to Review and Amend Sosma

The unity government, through its Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, made a commitment in December 2022 to review and potentially amend the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) in the future. This promise aligns with calls from within the government, such as those from DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng, to address what are described as "oppressive and draconian" provisions within the act as part of broader institutional reforms.
Commitment to Review and Amendment

In December 2022, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail indicated that Sosma could be subject to review and future amendments. This statement followed the formation of the unity government and suggested an openness to re-evaluating the legislation.
Historical Opposition to Sosma Provisions

The push to review Sosma is rooted in past opposition to its stringent measures. Notably, in March 2022, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, then serving as the Opposition leader, spearheaded the effort to block a five-year extension of Section 4(5) of Sosma. This section allows for detention periods of up to 28 days without judicial access, a measure that many in the former opposition coalition consistently viewed as overly harsh.
Calls to Remove Problematic Sections

Specific sections of Sosma have been identified as particularly concerning. Lim Guan Eng has urged the removal of provisions such as Section 6, which pertains to communication interception; Section 13, concerning bail and continued detention pending trial; Section 14, which allows for evidence to be taken from witnesses in a manner that may not be seen or heard by the accused or their counsel; and Section 30, which permits the public prosecutor to seek a remand order for an acquitted accused person during an appeal. These provisions are cited as examples of the law's "oppressive and draconian" nature.

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What promise did the unity government make regarding Sosma?

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