Putrajaya claims the National Security Council Act - which came into effect on August 1 - is intended to protect the country from the growing threat of terrorism on Malaysian soil. The Act comes into effect amidst domestic and international concern that it equips the Council’s eight members, which includes Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, with sweeping powers allowing them to designate any area as an emergency security locality. We explore the Act, its implications, and if it is a necessary addition to our legal system.

This is a report by Wang Junmey and Wan Irdina.