Don’t backtrack on NSC, Suaram tells PH

The coalition is reminded of its promise to repeal oppressive laws.

The Pakatan Harapan government says it will review the National Security Council Act, but Suaram says it must do away with the controversial law. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Human rights group Suaram has demanded that the government stick to its election promise to repeal the National Security Council Act (NSC), saying the law has no place in a democratic country.

“Unconstitutional provisions under the act, including giving the prime minister powers to declare security zones and to arrest and detain individuals at his whim, violate all known principles of human rights and international law,” Suaram project coordinator Dobby Chew told FMT.

He was reacting to a recent news report quoting Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu as saying the government was considering whether to retain or abolish the controversial law.

Chew pointed out that Pakatan Harapan promised to repeal oppressive laws in its manifesto for the 14th general election (GE14). The promise must not be broken, he said.

“If such a promise is broken,” he added, “then how would PH be any different from pre-GE14 Barisan Nasional (BN)? It would be hypocritical not to abolish the NSC.

“A year ago PH was up in arms about the constitutionality of the NSC and the potential danger it poses to civil liberties and human rights. It also spoke of the potential for abuse of power behind it. What’s changed?”

Chew acknowledged that there was value in having a coordinating agency in times of genuine emergencies, but he said proper studies and consultation were needed before appointing such an agency.

“Carrying over the tainted law passed during BN’s era is a mockery of the struggle for human rights and democracy in Malaysia,” he added. -FMT