SOSMA should be reviewed to protect human rights - Tian Chua

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice-president Tian Chua said although SOSMA defies the act of terrorism compared to Internal Security Act (ISA), the act still lacking in safety issue that curtails the importance of human rights.

He said that the matter should be given attention to avoid SOSMA from becoming into ISA which inevitably violate human rights.

“In legislation, before a law is passed, an individual is still deemed innocent regardless the extent of the crime. We cannot ignore the procedures based on the law stipulated, we must follow the standard of human rights when reviewing them,” he added.

“It is true that there are people involved in terrorism activities, but what sets us apart as a community that practices democracy and those who struggle using terrorism is that we have the utmost respect for human rights,” he added.

Tian Chua, who is also Batu Member of Parliament said if PR is granted the opportunity, they will review and strengthen SOSMA to ensure that the anti-terrorism act is closely followed.

He was talking to the media members after he gave a talk at the ‘Occupy UM8’ flash mob site at the entrance of the university gates.

In his speech, Tian Chua said that students should not be pessimistic in their struggle.

“I salute the students who started this struggle,” he said, referring to Occupy UM8. “This will chart history in changing the future of the country. “Earlier, I mentioned how we have triumphed in one ISA case, we have to show that we aren’t afraid even if we are imprisoned we should not fret if we can prove that we are innocent, even if it takes us 10 years to fight, we are still recognised,” he added.

He was commenting on the importance of the success and triumph of activists who had come forth to protect human rights and oppose to ISA.