Anwar, Dr M issue joint statement against NSC Act

(MMO) – Long-time political rivals Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim issued a joint statement today opposing the National Security Council (NSC) Act 2016.

The former prime minister and his ex-deputy said that the statement, which had both their signatures, was issued in light of a “national crisis” and in the interest of the people.

“This Act has sidelined the powers and roles of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Conference of Malay Rulers in a crucial issue concerning the nation’s security and the liberty of its people,” Anwar and Dr Mahathir said in the statement in Bahasa Malaysia.

“It is because of this national crisis that we, together with the people, object to this Act and bring change and reformation in order to salvage the rights and freedom of the people and to rebuild our beloved country,” they added.

Anwar, when met outside the courtroom at the Kuala Lumpur court complex here, confirmed the authenticity of the statement.

The statement about the controversial NSC Act, which grants the government sweeping emergency powers, came shortly after Dr Mahathir and Anwar shook hands in a courtroom when they met for the first time 18 years after the former sacked the latter from Cabinet.