Security law won’t be used against critics and politicians, says Paul Low

The National Security Council Bill, which was passed on Thursday night, gives the prime minister wide-ranging powers in security issues, including the arrest and detention of anyone without a warrant. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, December 7, 2015.The National Security Council Bill will not be used against government detractors and politicians, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Paul Low said today, adding that criticism against the bill was because of the trust deficit towards Putrajaya.

“We do recognise we must gain the trust of the people because there are issues, new powers that are given to government which (are) necessary, but how they use these powers, it will depend. 

“Unless they are terrorists, but using against dissidents? No, I don’t think so,” he told reporters who questioned him on the use of the bill which the opposition and civil society fear gives the prime minister wide-ranging powers in security issues.

Low said the law would only be used for acts of terror but added that the government had to work on addressing the people’s trust deficit.

“I think that’s something the leadership… needs to consider.

“Any government given such power must earn the trust of the people and earning the trust includes making sure laws are properly observed and not selective, (and are) used for the right purpose, because any law given to you can be abused,” he said after his opening speech at the Human Rights Day 2015 in Kuala Lumpur today.

Low said critics and opposition politicians should not worry about potential abuse of power by the NSC bill when it became law as it was created specifically for security issues, citing the Lahad Datu incursion in Sabah on 2013.

“We are talking about insurgency. We are not talking about piracy or ad hoc terrorism that can be dealt with by other acts.

“And I believe for Malaysia, we don’t like to see good lives lost, so at times for certain areas, the act says you need to declare a security zone, to impose curfews, because at that time you are fighting an enemy, a non-state actor.”

Asked about potential abuse as claimed in the use of other laws like the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma), as well as the possibility of powers under the NSC law being used against civil society rallies such as Bersih, Low said: “Personally, I don’t think so. If you want to gain the trust you don’t use it in that way, they don’t have to worry.”

He declined to comment when asked if ministers unanimously supported the bill.

“I cannot say that because if it is the decision of the Cabinet, then it’s the decision of the Cabinet. You have to have collective responsibility, I’m just trying to rationalise to you the essence of the act.” – December 7, 2015.