NSC bill will change country forever, says civil activist

Ambiga Sreenevesan calls on MPs to do their duty to the people and the Federal Constitution, and oppose the bill.

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Security Council (NSC) Bill 2015 will change the country forever should it be passed in the Dewan Rakyat.

So said social activist and president of the National Human Rights Society Malaysia (Hakam) Ambiga Sreenevasan today.

She called on all members of parliament to do their duty to serve the people and the Federal Constitution, and oppose the Bill.

Ambiga also demanded for the Bill to be withdrawn immediately.

“Malaysia does not need a bill like this, which is nothing more than an attempt by the Prime Minister to usurp more power and centralising power to himself.

“This goes against all principles of democracy and undermines the rule of law in the country. It will change Malaysia forever,” Ambiga said when met at Parliament lobby here.

The bill, if passed, will give Prime Minister Najib Razak powers that override the Yang Dipertuan Agung’s and state governments’.

It also gives him authority to declare any area in the country as a “security area”.

“The entire legislation is open-ended and vague in many of its key definitions. All safeguards guaranteed to an ordinary citizen in respect of arrest and search and seizure of property are to be suspended in a security area.

“In other words, there are extensive powers given to the security forces to ignore fundamental rights, liberties and safeguards of an ordinary citizen in such areas,” she said.

The first reading of the NSC bill was tabled in Parliament by Minister in Prime Minister’s Department Shahidan Kassim, on Tuesday. It is expected to pass the second and third readings today, which is the last day of Parliament’s sitting for the year.