NSC Bill 2015 enhances existing legislations, Special Branch official says

(Bernama) – The National Security Council (NSC) Bill 2015 which has been passed by the Dewan Negara on December 22 will complement the existing laws in the context of terrorism threats. 

Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter-Terrorism Division principal assistant director, Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay (pic) said the formulation of the act would complete further laws such as the Security Offences Act (Special Measures) 2012 (SOSMA), the Prevention of Crime Act 2013 (POCA) and the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) 2015.     

“Nonetheless, I want to stress here that the NSC Bill 2015 should not be misconstrued as an act to usurp the power of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he told Bernama. 

He stressed that the people should understand that the NSC Bill 2015 would enable the Prime Minister to declare a certain location as a security area. 

“As an example it will enable the Prime Minister to declare areas in KLCC as a security area if there is a terrorism incident in the area,” he said. 

Ayob said the bill was different from the declaration of a state of emergency which was vested with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. 

He said the Prime Minister had the authority to use the bill in a certain area to facilitate security forces in taking swift preventive action. 

On December 22, the Senate passed the NSC Bill 2015 which provides 15 special powers to set up a National Security Council and the security forces to control and coordinate national security operations.  

The NSC Bill 2015 also provides for special powers including entry detention and transfer of people, curfew, the power to control movement on the road, power to arrest and seize vehicles, vessels, aircraft or carriers.