Security bill granting Najib sweeping powers passed

Parliament has passed the National Security Council bill with a majority voice vote, without amendments.

The government bulldozed the bill through the policy, committee and third readings over the course of six hours on the last day of Parliament.

The opposition had only pushed for a bloc vote during the policy stage, and were defeated by 107 votes in favour compared to 77 votes against.

The opposition had mainly argued that the bill subverts the Yang diPertuan Agong's constitutional powers.

The bill will among others, grant Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, as chairman of the council, the power to declare any area a "security zone", with just the council's approval.

In a security zone, security forces will be allowed to make arrests, seize or even destroy property.

Their actions can only be challenged if the courts decide it was done in "bad faith".

"Even if we suspect someone (of being a security threat), we can make arrests," Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Shahidan Kassim told the House.

Critics say the ability to set up security zones encroaches on the Agong's power to declare states of emergency.

They fear it will be used to crackdown on dissent.

The bill was introduced amid continued challenges to Najib's position as prime minister. -Mkini