Surveillance by enforcement agencies not politically motivated, says Saifuddin

PETALING JAYA: Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail today said all surveillance and communications monitoring by enforcement agencies are not politically motivated.

In a written parliamentary reply, Saifuddin said such activity is carried out within a strict legal framework and is only aimed at safeguarding national security.

He said the Criminal Procedure Code, the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 stipulate that written authorisation from the public prosecutor or senior police officers, including the inspector-general of police, is required before any communications can be intercepted.

“Such powers are only exercised when there is reasonable suspicion that communications are linked to serious criminal activity, terrorism, or threats to national security.

“The ministry remains committed to ensuring that law enforcement is carried out professionally, without prejudice, and with integrity for the wellbeing of all citizens,” he said.

According to Saifuddin, any enforcement action carried out by agencies under the home ministry is subject to internal audits and governance mechanisms to ensure compliance with the law and to prevent any abuse of power.

He said the government’s focus is on protecting the nation from threats, such as organised crime, subversion, and extremism, rather than restricting freedom of expression or invading citizens’ privacy – both of which are safeguarded under the Federal Constitution.

He was responding to a question from Hamzah Zainudin (PN–Larut), who asked the government to state the measures taken to ensure that the public’s right to privacy and freedom of communication is protected from any unlawful or politically-motivated surveillance.