NSC Bill does not contradict Constitution, says Nur Jazlan

The Home Ministry today stressed that the National Security Council (NSC) Bill 2015 which has been passed by both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara does not contradict the Federal Constitution.

Its Deputy Minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed said the bill also did not reduce the powers of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong to declare an emergency, as feared by certain quarters.

"The MKN (Majlis Keselamatan Negara, or NSC) has existed since 40 years ago under the constitution. MKN only has the power to declare emergency over a small area which experiences security-related problems including cross border crimes and violence.

"It is not taking over the powers of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong and only the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong can declare or retract a state of emergency. This shows that the MKN bill does not contravene the Federal Constitution," he told reporters after opening a 'Walk To The Library' programme at the Johor Public Library Corporation in Johor Baru today.

Nur Jazlan, who is also Pulai Member of Parliament, said this in commenting on moves by the opposition to hand over a memorandum of protest on the NSC Bill to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah.

Parti Amanah Negara president Mohamad Sabu, at a rally in Parit Bakar, Muar, last night, claimed the NSC bill was in conflict with the Federal Constitution and that the party planned to hold a tour to explain it to the people.

According to Nur Jazlan, NSC complemented the Federal Constitution, other than providing more enlightenment on the jurisdiction and role of the committee to the people so that it was more understood.

He said, in a situation where security problems took place in a small and limited area and requiring immediate action, the NSC law could be used to declare the affected area as a security area.

"I reiterate that it is not contradictory because MKN exists for 40 years under the constitution, so now we want to formalise the position of MKN because, in the past, it was enforced under the Emergency Act and is now institutionalised and is backed by an act of Parliament," he said.

The bill provides special powers including preventing entry and transfer of people, curfew, power to control movements on the road, power to arrest, and power to confiscate vehicles, vessels, aircraft, or transporters.

- Bernama