KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 — 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.
“I think it is because, number one, he has taken the initiative to come and show support, which I think is good enough.
“I, of course, thanked him and he pays his support for not only MKN but also reformation. That is important,” he added, using the Malay initials for the NSC.
In the joint statement, the duo also noted that the NSC Act dispenses with the need to hold inquests for deaths in security areas, pointing out that there may be cases of misconduct.
Dr Mahathir showed up in court on September 5 for a case involving Anwar, who was filing an interim injunction application at the High Court to stop the National Security Council (NSC) Act 2016 from being enforced.
The NSC Act, which came into force last month, proposes to allow the National Security Council — which would be chaired by the prime minister — to take command of the country’s security forces and to impose strict policing of areas deemed to face security risks, including having the powers of search and arrest without warrant.
