KUALA LUMPUR, 13 Feb 2025 – The Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, stated that an internal investigation found no incidents of detainees under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) being beaten at Sungai Buloh Prison, Selangor.
He said this was communicated by the Director General of Prisons who conducted further inspections regarding the allegations.
“I received a report about claims that a SOSMA detainee was beaten.
“I immediately contacted the Director General of Prisons to get a full report. The internal investigation concluded that no torture occurred,” he said.
He made these remarks during a press conference after attending the National Registration Innovation Awards Ceremony.
Earlier today, the wife of a detainee held under SOSMA at Sungai Buloh Prison Complex lodged a police report claiming her husband was beaten.
The complainant claimed in the report made at Sungai Buloh Police Station last night that her husband was taken to the Emergency Department of Sungai Buloh Hospital in a helpless state, believed to be due to an assault.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin said he respects the rights of the wife of the SOSMA detainee involved.
He said if there is a report, the police will conduct further investigations.
“However, the detainee’s wife has made a police report, and we respect her right to do so.
“What actually happened was that the detainee was on a hunger strike for several days, which caused physical weakness. When taken to the hospital, they had to use a wheelchair.
“I have also given a full report to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim regarding this matter,” he said.
In other developments, Saifuddin said regarding the Peaceful Assembly Act, Anwar has affirmed that the public’s right to assemble remains guaranteed as stipulated in Article 10(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution.
He said, however, the government is responsible for ensuring public safety and peace.
“Statistics show that in 2023, 10,000 notifications of assemblies were made to the police, with 98 percent of assemblies proceeding without restrictions.
“In 2024, over 7,000 notifications were received, and 99 percent were permitted.
“Only 1 to 2 percent of assemblies faced issues due to unauthorized locations, not due to government restrictions,” he said.
Saifuddin said the government agrees to amend the Peaceful Assembly Act to address these location issues.
He said, while awaiting the amendments, the government will implement a moratorium on the enforcement of Section 11 of the Peaceful Assembly Act, meaning no action will be taken against assembly organizers until the amendments are passed.
“Additionally, over the past year, 1,787 investigation papers were opened, but only 30 cases were charged in court, indicating that the government does not restrict the public’s freedom to assemble,” he said.
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