New Malaysia Security Law Debuts As PM Fights Critics

The National Security Council Act was pushed through parliament by PM Najib Razak's government.
KUALA LUMPUR: 

 Tough new security legislation came into force Monday in Malaysia, 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 has faced calls to resign for more than a year over an huge alleged corruption scandal.

The legislation gives the government power to declare virtual martial law in areas deemed to be under "security threat".