COMMENT With the passing of the National Security Council Bill DR 38/2015 - Majlis Keselamatan Negara 2015 resulting in unbridled powers for the country’s governors, in particular the country leader, with discretionary powers to declare an area a security threat, there is no doubt Malaysia is sailing into unchartered waters with serious threats to freedoms guaranteed under the constitution.

Until there are safeguards, the bill is a threat to civil liberties, political freedom and the constitution itself. As a house of conscience the Senate ought to reject it but that will be hoping against hope.

The new law may spell the end of political and civil freedoms as absolute power is handed to the politicians who so far have not reassured citizens they understand and will govern by the standards of their country’s democratic roots and democratic values entrenched in its constitution.