Within the last weeks there have been many arrests because people criticized the government or Islam. It is really easy for the government to remove political dissidents, even if these people are physcially not harming anyone. Certain laws legitimize these actions.
One law, which allowed detention without trial was the “Internal Securiy Act”. It was especially used during Mahathir bin Mohamads (former Prime Minister) reign. 60 days were seen as investigation time. I wonder, if it is really necessary to detain someone for such a long time without real evidence? After the passing of these 60 days, the Home Minister had the power to extend the arrest for another two years. And guess what? After that, the detention could be extended again and again and again. How can a single person be given so much power?
After Najib Razak became Prime Minister, he removed ISA. However, the act is not really gone, because it was replaced by the Security Offences Special Measures Act (=SOSMA). SOSMA was originally implemented to “provide special measures relating to security offences for the purpose of maintaining public order and security and for connected matters.” But the definition of this law, already indicates that it can be applied completely arbitrary. Moreover, it appears that its just another law to control and silent people and to arrest those, who are not following the government´s wishes.
Politics and Human Rights in Malaysia 