THE Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, has dismissed renewed calls for the repeal of the country’s preventive security laws, arguing that such demands overlook the risks posed by militant networks and potential large-scale attacks.
He said proposals to abolish the former Internal Security Act (ISA) of 1960 and its successor, the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA) 2012, should be rejected, insisting that human rights considerations must be balanced against the need to maintain national peace and stability.
“Do not be so obsessed with human rights that national security is sidelined,” he said.
“Do not regret it after a large-scale terrorist attack occurs as seen in neighbouring countries and internationally.”
Writing on Facebook, he warned that past successes in foiling terrorism were closely linked to the availability of preventive powers.
“The attacks that were successfully thwarted by the Special Branch were because Malaysia had the ISA at that time. There is no point regretting after an attack occurs and innocent lives are lost,” he said.
Ayob Khan marked the twenty-fourth anniversary of the Special Branch’s major operation against the Jemaah Islamiah (JI) network on 9 December 2001, an operation he said exposed a militant web connected to Al-Qaeda and plotting attacks across Southeast Asia, including in Malaysia.
He recalled that the Special Branch had been monitoring JI activities since early 2000, focusing on figures such as Abu Zulfa and Riduan Hisamudin, also known as Hambali, both linked to Al-Qaeda.
According to Ayob Khan, the 2001 sweep foiled a series of planned acts of sabotage in Malaysia, including attacks on Singapore’s Woodland Immigration checkpoint, Bukit Aman police headquarters, entertainment venues in the Klang Valley and several foreign embassies.
He argued that the effectiveness of preventive legislation in counter-terrorism is well-established, noting that countries such as Singapore, Brunei, the United States, Indonesia, India and Australia maintain similar laws.
“Malaysia is fortunate to have Special Branch officers and personnel who serve with full dedication. Their achievements have received international recognition,” he said. - December 10, 2025
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