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NSC will be handy if KL gets bombed, says minister
Published:  Dec 7, 2015 3:23 PM
Updated: 9:25 AM

Critics of the National Security Bill will likely change their minds if Kuala Lumpur is bombed, said cabinet minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan.

“If a bomb exploded in KL, then perhaps you guys would have a different view. But sadly that would be too late,” he said on Twitter.

He was responding to Twitter user Rais Hussin who told the minister that the bill affords powers which could be easily abused by the prime minister.

If a bomb exploded in KL then perhaps you guys would have a different view. But sadly that would be too late. #NSC https://t.co/lfMfPwxh3u

— Abdul Rahman Dahlan (@mpkotabelud) December 7, 2015

“If the NSC is used against citizens for political purpose, (it would be a) problem, isn’t it? Najib will do anything to stay!” Rais said.

Twitter user Boo Soon Yew also told the minister that the NSC Bill could lead to “proxy control” by PM Najib Abdul Razak.

However, Rahman cautioned against brushing off security threats to the nation.

“Why talk about proxy control when NSC is to deal with security threats. These threats are real,” he said.

The NSC Bill proposes that the prime minister be allowed to declare a security zone, as chairperson of an eight-member National Security Council.

Security forces have power to arrest, search, seize and destroy property in the security zone.

The declaration is made after Parliament's approval and is valid for six months. It can be renewed every six months indefinitely.

The bill comes after police confirm a leaked communiqué stating that there are potential suicide bombers targeting parts of Sabah and Kuala Lumpur.

Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein earlier revealed that militant groups are targeting him and other top officials.

However, critics say the powers proposed for the prime minister under the NSC Bill could lead to dictatorship .

The bill was passed at the Dewan Rakyat last week after about six hours of debate.

It is expected to be tabled in the ongoing Dewan Negara sitting.

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