Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia Tuesday introduced a
legislation under which suspects cannot be detained indefinitely as under an existing colonial-era law.
The Security Offences (Special Measures) Bill, 2012, was
tabled by minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Aziz in the lower house of Parliament.
Under the legislation, a police officer of, or above the
ranking of Superintendent of Police, may extend the detention
period to not more than 28 days for investigation purposes.
If passed, it will replace the 52-year-old Internal
Security Act (ISA) using which a person can be detained
indefinitely.
Contrary to the ISA that allows detention without trial,
the proposed legislation provides for all security offences to
be tried by the High Court.
A police officer, may without warrant, arrest any person
whom he has a reason to believe is involved in security
offences. However, no person can be arrested solely for his or
her political belief or activity.
The detenu may be released if the concerned officer
decides that further detention is not necessary, but an
electronic monitoring device may be attached on the person for
investigation purposes.
No bail will be granted to a person charged with a
security offence.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, April 10, 2012, 14:30