The Society for the Promotion of Human Rights (Proham) has urged Putrajaya to abolish the National Security Council Act 2016, as promised in Pakatan Harapan's election manifesto.
"We call on the government to repeal the Act which was pushed through Parliament in haste," said Proham in a statement today.
This Act also appears to subvert the constitutional role of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in “emergency” matters, said the human rights NGO.
"Despite the Conference of Rulers having directed the government of the day to relook (into) this Act, the Act nevertheless came into force on August 1, 2016," said Proham.
Beside the National Security Council Act, Harapan also pledged to abolish draconian laws like the Sedition Act 1948, University and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA), Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (Poca), Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 (Pota), Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (PPPA) and the Anti-Fake News Act 2018 (AFN).
It had also promised to remove provisions which were perceived to be discriminatory in the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), and provisions or ouster clauses that exempt government decisions from judicial review.
Yesterday, newly appointed Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said his ministry would review seven laws relating to national security laws.
This included PPPA, Sedition Act, Poca, Pota, Sosma, Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 and the mandatory death sentence.
Proham applauded the Home Ministry for looking into the possibility of repealing these laws.
"The move by the home minister in agreeing to look at all other legislation which violates the rule of law and fundamental human rights is a fresh welcome (sic) indeed," said Proham.
The human rights watchdog also welcomed Muhyiddin's commitment in agreeing to establish the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).
"Proham and various other NGOs together with the Bar Council have been pushing for the setting up of the IPCMC since its recommendation by the Royal Commission of Inquiry to enhance the operation and management of the police in 2005," said Proham.
The setting up of such an oversight body will encourage integrity, deter misconduct, restore accountability and enhance public confidence in policing, said Proham.
"We also call for the total rewrite of the National Human Rights Action Plan as the one launched by the former prime minister in March 2018 falls short of the current global Human Rights standard," said Proham. -Mkini
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