Growing pressure mounts to reform Malaysia’s controversial Sosma law

A 2018 promise to reform Sosma remains unfulfilled, leaving activists and lawmakers frustrated. Will Malaysia finally fix its most divisive **law**?

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2025 December 10 . 9:14 PM

1 min read

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Growing pressure mounts to reform Malaysia’s controversial Sosma law

Calls for the repeal or reform of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) have grown louder in recent weeks. Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh has criticised the government’s delay in fulfilling a 2018 election pledge to abolish or amend the law’s controversial provisions. The issue resurfaced after Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay defended Sosma’s continued use.

Sosma has long faced criticism for its strict measures, including detention without a court remand order for up to 28 days under Section 4(5). The law also requires acquitted individuals to remain in custody while prosecutors prepare appeals under Section 30. Additionally, bail restrictions under Section 13 have led to lengthy trial delays, with most accused between 2019 and mid-2023 pleading guilty rather than enduring prolonged legal battles.

The government’s delay in addressing Sosma has drawn sharp criticism from within its own ranks. As calls for reform intensify, the focus remains on whether Pakatan Harapan will follow through on its long-standing pledge. Any changes to the law would need to address detention without trial, bail restrictions, and the mandatory remand of acquitted individuals.