Critics take aim at Najib Razak as ‘draconian’ security laws come into effect in Malaysia
Najib has defended the law as necessary to combat terrorism but its passage came amid the ongoing furore over 1MDB funds
Tough new security legislation came into force in Malaysia on Monday, with critics saying the “draconian” law threatens democracy and could be used against opponents of the scandal-tainted premier.
The National Security Council Act was pushed through parliament in December by the government of Prime Minister Najib Razak, who for more than a year has faced calls to resign over a huge alleged corruption scandal.
The legislation gives the government power to declare virtual martial law in areas deemed to be under “security threat”.
Critics accuse Najib and his government of enacting the law, and other tough recent legislation, to ward off political and legal challenges.
The law will definitely put fear in people planning to participate in street protests
“The law will definitely put fear in people planning to participate in street protests,” said Wan Saiful Wan Jan, head of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs, a Malaysian think tank. “The public perception in terms of the timing of the draconian law is that Najib wants the law in order to stay in office.”