Suhakam commissioner Mariati Robert (fifth from right) receiving a memorandum from a family member of a Sosma detainee at Suhakam’s office in Kuala Lumpur today. (Suaram pic)
KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) will investigate claims of inadequate medical care and delayed trials faced by several detainees under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).
Several family members of inmates detained under Sosma presented a memorandum outlining their complaints and demands to Suhakam today with the assistance of human rights group Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram).
Suhakam commissioner Mariati Robert said the commission will obtain more details from Suaram before probing the allegations, adding that it would also contact prison authorities to investigate claims of poor medical care.
“Suhakam has made our stance on Sosma very clear. We have called for its abolition and the process is ongoing,” she said.
The family members have demanded that authorities expedite the detainees’ trial dates, release those in poor health or grant them bail.
A detainee’s family member said his case was only scheduled to be heard in court in 2028 despite charges being filed in 2024.
A family member said the detainees are not given proper treatment for their health conditions and families are also unable to intervene by supplying medication.
Another family member questioned the living conditions in prisons after claiming her relative now suffers from multiple ailments despite having no prior health issues.
Suaram’s case management and campaign coordinator Karthiges Rajaminickam said many of the detainees are their families’ sole breadwinners and their prolonged detention has had severe financial implications on their loved ones.
“If they (the court) can present proof, then charge them accordingly, but don’t detain them if there is no substantial proof,” he said.
Sosma provides the authorities with broad powers against subversion, threats to public order, and acts of terrorism, sabotage and espionage.
Police may arrest and detain an individual without a warrant if they believe the person to be involved in security offences.
Sosma also allows anyone suspected of being involved in terrorism to be detained for a period not exceeding 28 days without a court order.
Sosma’s critics have described the law as draconian as they claim it infringes on an individual’s fundamental rights, as guaranteed in Article 5 of the Federal Constitution.
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