Politics · Malaysia Bureau
House arrest proposal should go to Cabinet, not NGOs: Wan Saiful
Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan has urged Defence Minister Mat Sabu to present any house arrest proposal through proper Cabinet channels rather than seeking NGO input. The lawmaker suggested that policy initiatives typically flow from government to civil society organisations, not vice versa.
LSN Malaysia ·

Wan Saiful Wan Jan criticised the approach of consulting non-governmental organisations on a potential house arrest mechanism, arguing that such matters should be formally tabled before Cabinet for consideration and approval. The Tasek Gelugor Member of Parliament noted that the conventional process sees government ministries presenting proposals to the Cabinet, followed by public or stakeholder consultation if deemed necessary. He implied that reversing this sequence—by first engaging NGOs—represented an unconventional departure from standard policy-making procedures. The remarks come amid discussions about alternative detention measures, with Wan Saiful suggesting that Defence Minister Mat Sabu should follow established governmental protocols. The exchange highlights differing views on how policy proposals should be developed and vetted within Malaysia's administrative framework, particularly regarding matters involving civil liberties and detention practices.