MP warns govt on house arrest law, cites speculation on Najib
Ili Aqilah, Alyaa Alhadjri & N Faizal Ghazali
Published: Oct 23, 2024 11:40 PM
PARLIAMENT | RSN Rayer (Harapan-Jelutong) urged the government to exercise caution in drafting a new law allowing “house arrest” as an alternative punishment for certain offences.
During his speech in the Dewan Rakyat today, the DAP lawmaker highlighted growing public speculation that the bill is designed for a specific prisoner.
“I do not wish to name anyone, but the name of Najib Abdul Razak has been mentioned several times.
“As a backbencher, I merely want to advise the government to be cautious with this proposal or the ‘House Arrest Bill’ because it has already sparked a lot of debate out there,” he said.
The proposal for a new law to facilitate house arrests was mentioned in the official text of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Budget 2025 speech, though that portion of the text was not read out when he presented the budget last Friday.
He proposed that offenders would be confined to a suitable location - such as a residence, care home, or workers’ hostel - under specific conditions, supervised by the Prison Department.
Since then, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has said there are about 20,000 prisoners who might qualify for house arrest, namely first-time offenders who did not commit major crimes, pregnant women, senior citizens, and people with disabilities.
Meanwhile, Rayer emphasised the need for clear guidelines on who would qualify for house arrest under the new bill.
“If the government intends to adopt an approach where only certain people are eligible for house arrest, this needs to be clarified thoroughly and explicitly regarding who qualifies to be detained or serve their prison sentence at home.
“We do not want to see more double standards in our country,” he said.
RSN Rayer (Pakatan Harapan-Jelutong)
The “house arrest” issue sparked debate earlier this year when Najib claimed the previous Yang di-Pertuan Agong had granted him clemency.
The former prime minister is serving a six-year sentence for the SRC International case and is facing additional legal battles linked to the 1MDB mega scandal.
READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | ‘House arrest’: Is there such a thing?
Use of Sosma in GISBH case
On another matter, Rayer condemned the government for using the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) to detain individuals linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH).
He called for a repeal of the “draconian” law.
“I have opposed Sosma from the start, even when DAP MPs and state assemblyperson were detained under it.
“I object to its use against those involved in the GISBH case. If there is evidence, charge them in court. Don’t rely on Sosma, which is an unjust law.”
The former prime minister is serving a six-year sentence for the SRC International case and is facing additional legal battles linked to the 1MDB mega scandal.
READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | ‘House arrest’: Is there such a thing?
Use of Sosma in GISBH case
On another matter, Rayer condemned the government for using the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) to detain individuals linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH).
He called for a repeal of the “draconian” law.
“I have opposed Sosma from the start, even when DAP MPs and state assemblyperson were detained under it.
“I object to its use against those involved in the GISBH case. If there is evidence, charge them in court. Don’t rely on Sosma, which is an unjust law.”
GISBH CEO Nasiruddin Mohd Ali and followers escorted by the police at the Selayang Court in Selangor, Oct 23, 2024.
Under the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC), the police may only detain a suspect for up to 24 hours to facilitate investigations.
Sosma allows the police to detain suspects for up to 28 days, without any judicial oversight.
Last week, another government MP, Hassan Abdul Karim (Harapan-Pasir Gudang), questioned the authorities’ decision to use Sosma against some 50 members of GISBH accused of promoting deviant Islamic teachings.
On Oct 10, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain announced the re-arrest of 16 individuals, including senior GISBH management, under Sosma for allegations of child and religious exploitation.
He also confirmed that 58 people have been detained under the act since Op Global launched last month.
Under the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC), the police may only detain a suspect for up to 24 hours to facilitate investigations.
Sosma allows the police to detain suspects for up to 28 days, without any judicial oversight.
Last week, another government MP, Hassan Abdul Karim (Harapan-Pasir Gudang), questioned the authorities’ decision to use Sosma against some 50 members of GISBH accused of promoting deviant Islamic teachings.
On Oct 10, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain announced the re-arrest of 16 individuals, including senior GISBH management, under Sosma for allegations of child and religious exploitation.
He also confirmed that 58 people have been detained under the act since Op Global launched last month.
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