Will Pakatan Harapan abolish the NSC Act 2016 as promised?

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Pakatan Harapan Government is Reviewing, Not Committing to Abolishing, the NSC Act 2016

The Pakatan Harapan (PH) government is currently reviewing the National Security Council (NSC) Act 2016, but has not committed to its abolition, despite it being a pledge in their election manifesto. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong stated that the Act is "under review" and did not provide a definitive answer when questioned about its potential abolishment. While some PH lawmakers are advocating for its removal, citing its "draconian" nature, others within the opposition have voiced support for retaining it on national security grounds, suggesting a modification of the prime minister's powers instead.
Review Process for the NSC Act 2016 Underway

The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department indicated that the NSC Act 2016 is presently undergoing a review. This process involves the establishment of a committee tasked with reforming laws deemed "draconian," with the NSC Act being a specific focus. The intention, as stated, is to "take the good and do away with the bad" to ensure national security is maintained without compromising other factors.
Lawmakers Divided on the NSC Act's Future

Within the Pakatan Harapan coalition, there is a push from some members to abolish the NSC Act, fulfilling election promise number 27. Lawmakers such as Ramkarpal Singh and Kasthuri Patto have described the Act as "cruel" and unnecessary for review if its nature is indeed draconian. Conversely, opposition MP Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim has argued for its retention, positing that any concerns should be addressed by reducing the prime minister's powers under the Act rather than abolishing it entirely, emphasizing its role in national security.
Provisions and Usage of the NSC Act

The NSC Act 2016 grants the prime minister the authority to declare an Emergency Situation within a specific district, following consultation with the National Security Council. This council comprises key figures including the deputy prime minister, defence minister, communications minister, chief of the Armed Forces, chief secretary, and the inspector-general of police. Notably, the Act has not been invoked in the past two years.

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Will Pakatan Harapan abolish the NSC Act 2016 as promised?

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