Razak feared emergency powers, reveals son

Former prime minister Abdul Razak Hussein never wanted the powers granted to him under the National Operations Council (NOC), his son, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, said today.

"He never wanted to use the powers he wielded. In fact, he seemed fearful of them, and as soon as he could, he sought to relinquish them," Najib said.

The NOC was formed in the aftermath of the May 13 riots, and until 1971 it served as the administrator of Malaysia, in lieu of the elected government.

By returning power to Parliament, Najib said, his father saved Malaysian democracy.

He said this in his keynote address at the event commemorating 40 years since Razak's death, which was held at the Royal Chulan Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

Najib’s remarks come at a time when he is facing strong criticism for seeking dictatorial emergency powers through the National Security Council Bill that both houses of Parliament passed last month.

The NSC Bill, once gazetted, will grant Najib powers to declare any area a security zone.

Critics say this is similar to declaring a state of emergency, the power that lies with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong under the Federal Constitution.

In a security zone under the NSC Bill, police and the army will be allowed to capture and destroy people and property, if they deem it necessary. -Mkini