LETTER | It’s the people of Malaysia’s utmost concern whether or not the newly-minted National Security Act (NSA) will be used by BN as a last resort to keep itself in power should it fail to maintain power in the coming general election.

The opposition is advised to seek clarity over some dubious points. For instance, does a caretaker premier have legal grounds to declare and implement the National Security Act?

If the answer is “yes”, then how big can the size of a "security area” be declared under the NSA? It is dangerous if the whole of Malaysia can be declared as a “security threat area”.

If so, that would be no different from the “Darurat” when martial law took over the administration.

Next, would legislation in the affected area or state be disabled and MPs be suspended under the NSA?

Assuming manoeuvred chaos takes place right after BN is defeated in GE14, newly-elected MPs from Pakatan Harapan could possibly be arrested for being a “security threat”.

That will create a situation where Harapan is short of the number of MPs needed to form a new government.

Suggested moves - prior to polling day, all Harapan contesting candidates are to submit a signed letter asserting their support for Dr Mahathir Mohamad to be sworn in as the eighth prime minister should Harapan take the polls.

Thus, if they are arrested and cannot be present, their signed letters can be used instead.

As a pre-emptive measure, the opposition must also raise public awareness on the possible misuse of NSA in case BN loses the election.

We hope Harapan will do all the necessary to prevent BN from stealing the election.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.