JUNE 09 — The National Security Council Bill has has been gazetted as law yesterday and is now the National Security Council Act 2016. The legislation did not receive royal assent, as provided by Article 66(4A) of the Federal Constitution – a bill becomes law at the end of the 30 day period without the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s assent.
The conference of Rulers in February said that some provisions in the bill should be refined. However, despite coalitions such at #TakNakDiktator reminding the Government that they should honour the request by the Council of Rulers, the National Security Council Bill was passed without the amendments.
Various human rights group, civil society organisations and the Malaysian Bar have voiced concerns over the wide ranging powers of this controversial legislation which would effectively give the Prime Minister unprecedented power over military command. Read more