What happens when a law meant to fight terrorism starts being used far beyond its original purpose?
In this explosive episode of The Good Cast Show, we sit down with Malaysian lawyer and legal activist Harpal Singh to unpack the realities of SOSMA (Security Offences Special Measures Act 2012) — from detention without bail, protected witnesses, and admissible statements under duress, to allegations of abuse, prolonged imprisonment, and the wider implications for justice and democracy in Malaysia.
Harpal argues that SOSMA has evolved from a counter-terrorism law into what he calls a “one-way-in” system, raising serious concerns about fair trial rights, abuse of power, and the treatment of detainees. He also shares firsthand experiences from handling SOSMA cases involving organized crime, migrant smuggling, and gang-related charges.
We discuss:
• The differences between ISA and SOSMA
• Why Harpal believes SOSMA is worse than ISA
• 28-day detention and denial of bail
• Protected witnesses and admissible statements
• Claims of coercion and abuse during detention
• Why many accused plead guilty instead of fighting cases
• The political promises to reform or abolish SOSMA
• Whether Malaysia still needs SOSMA today
Whether you agree or disagree, this is a conversation every Malaysian should hear.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments:
Is SOSMA necessary for national security — or has it gone too far?
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