Extensive authority proposed for National Security Council to handle threats

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Security Council (NSC) 2015 Bill which was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat today aims to give the government extensive powers to deal with issues perceived to affect national security.
Among others, the new law when passed, will give the NSC, which will be chaired by the prime minister, to:
>> declare areas considered to be "seriously disturbed or threatened" as a "security area" for up to six months at a time;
>> search and arrest people or seize belongings and take temporary possession of land and buildings in a security area, without a warrant;
>> order the demolition of any vacant building suspected of being used for purposes prejudicial to national security;
>> issue curfew orders and direct government entities for national security purposes; and
>> formulate policies and measures on security, including socio-political stability and national unity.
It also provides for "special powers" to be given to the police, volunteer reserve, auxiliary police, military and maritime authorities under a Director of Operations appointed by the council in the specified area.
The NSC, security forces and other government personnel operating under this Act will also be protected from action or legal proceedings for any action, neglect or default done or omitted in good faith.
The bill, tabled for first reading by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim today, is expected to have it second and third readings by this week and be passed by the next meeting in March next year.
When the bill is passed, the council will be the government's central authority for considering matters concerning national security.
The deputy prime minister will be the NSC's deputy chairman. Other members include the defence minister, home minister, communication and multimedia minister, chief secretary to the government, the Armed Forces chief and the inspector-general of police.