The Malaysian Government has introduced a new law to replace the Internal Security Act that allows indefinite detention without trial. The law has been introduced for the first reading at the Malaysian parliament as part of a civil liberty reform.

The Security Offences Bill bars police from arresting individuals solely for their political ideology and mandates all security offenses to be tried at the court. It allows detention without warrant for 24 hours for investigation purposes and an extension of no more than 28 days with permission from a court. The new law grants public prosecutor rights to enter any premises. It also allows the public prosecutor to apply for the acquitted to remain in prison until all appeals are disposed of.

“This is a historic day for Malaysia and another major step forward on the road to reform,” said Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak in a statement, describing the new law as a balance between protecting national security and ensuring civil liberties.

Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein has informed the media that the government would propose more amendments and replacement to the existing security laws.