DECEMBER 7 — Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia (GBM) warns that the National Security Council (NSC) could be a license for the Government to impose martial rule, nationally or partially, when it sees fit. It is not inconceivable that in the event of its electoral defeat, the NSC could impose martial law to prevent public protests.
GBM opines that the overwhelming powers given to the NSC to effectively suspend parliamentary government, civilian rule and rule of law in ‘security area’ goes way beyond what is needed to fight terrorist attacks. These powers may even be used to effectively take over state governments.
Where an area is declared as a “security area”, members of the security forces can arrest individuals, search premises and seize “suspected dangerous objects” with little if any legal constraints, and enjoy immunity over errors. This is but a horrifying list of unprecedented human rights violations waiting to happen.
The NSC – chaired by the Prime Minister, consisting of three ministers (Defence, Home and Communications and Multimedia) and chiefs of three government services (military, police and civil service) – cannot but reminds us of the Majlis Gerakan Negara (MAGERAN).
Set up in the aftermath of May 13 and holding absolute power with the suspension of parliamentary rule, MAGERAN also consisted of top echelons of politicians, bureaucrats, military and police officers. Incidentally, MAGERAN which radically rewrote Malaysia’s political, economic and social order was created and designed by Tun Abdul Razak, the late father of Prime Minister Najib Razak.
Whilst in theory the renewal of security area order requires parliamentary approval, given the absolute Executive control of the Parliament, such requirement is no safeguard.
In contrast, MAGERAN was set up as a consequence of the proclamation of Emergency which constitutionally can only be made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. NSC is therefore effectively a miniature MAGERAN Version 2.0, on standby with operational flexibility and better camouflaged with political legitimacy.
That this monstrous institution is created by a prime minister now defiled by alleged corruption and unprecedented low popularity is a grave warning of its intent.
GBM urges all Malaysians to stand up and protest vehemently against this autocratic NSC bill. The draconian powers accorded to the NSC would threaten our freedom and civil rights, and usurp the legitimate authority of our parliamentary democracy.
Issued by the 20 Member Organisations of Gabungan Bertindak Malayisa as follows:
1. All Women’s Action Society (AWAM)
2. Anak Muda Sarawak (AMS)
3. ENGAGE
4. Japan Graduates Association,Malaysia (JAGAM)
5. Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF)
6. LLG Cultural Development Centre (LLG)
7. Kumpulan Aktivis Mahasiswa Independen (KAMI)
8. Majlis Perundingan Malaysian Agama Buddha, Kritisian, Hindu,Sikh dan Tao (MCCBCHST)
9. Merdeka University Bhd (MU)
10. Muslim Professionals Forum (MPF)
11. National Indian Rights Action Team (NIAT)
12. The Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH)
13. Persatuan Aliran Kesedaran Negara (Aliran)
14. Persatuan Bekas Siswazah Universiti dan Kolej di China, Malaysia (LiuHua)
15. Persatuan Masyarakat Selangor dan Wilayah Persekutuan (PERMAS)
16. Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia (IKRAM)
17. Pusat Komas (Komas)
18. Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM)
19. Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)
20. Tamil Foundation Malaysia （TF）
21. United Chinese School Alumni Associations of Malaysia (UCSAAM)
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.
