Philippine Embassy representative met detainees

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the embassy representative met with the detainees during a visit to Tawau prison three days ago (March 27).

"The Philippine embassy representative was given very opportunity to meet with the eight people detained under SOSMA. Feedback received said the representative was satisfied with the treatment given by the prison authority," he told reporters during a visit to Tawau prison, here today.

People who still doubt the professionalism of Malaysian prisons should refer to Tawau prison or the Philippine embassy but not the social media.

On whether the embassy representative raised the question of counsel, the minister said the prison authority told him the detainees would be provided with counsel.

"We are transparent. Even if he wants to appoint counsel, there is no problem. The guilty still remain as guilty." Hishammuddin was satisfied with SOSMA's capabilty in handling the Sabah intrusion.

"People said repeal of the Internal Security Act (ISA) left us powerless. However, with SOSMA as replacement, we can balance human rights with national interests." He said the 1,085 prison officers in Sabah have the ability to control the 4,530 inmates.

The Internal Security Division has opened an operations room in Kota Kinabalu to receive and disseminate correct information on current developments.