SHAH ALAM, 27 Dec: The PAS Information Chief, Datuk Mahfuz Omar, urged the National Security Council (NSC) to be completely revamped to be more focused on national security and not only political monitoring.
He said this in response to the statement by the Minister of Communications and Multimedia, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, who asked the NSC to provide a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in facing natural disasters, especially flooding and the people’s welfare, in future, is seen as having many weaknesses.
Mahfuz stressed that not only must the SOP be renewed, but he also hopes that the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, as the Chairman of the NSC, will resign ans hand it over to His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to choose those who have no political interests.
“There are too many flaws seen happening in the NSC, especially regarding issues concerning security and the people’s welfare, particularly when facing the recent flood disaster.
“In my opinion, not only should the SOP be revamped, but what is more important is that the entire committee, including its chairman, needs to be appointed from among those who have no direct political interests,” he said, quoted from Harakah Daily today.
Mahfuz, who is also the Member of Parliament for Pokok Sena, explained that the NSC is now more focused on Umno’s political direction is is putting pressure on Pakatan Rakyat’ (PR) journey, causing them to fail in acting quickly in extending aid during floods.
Mahfuz said that the people need a committee that is more focused on welfare issues and is quick in making decisions in the event of an unforeseen disaster.
“The NSC is only focused on Umno’s political direction and creates propaganda on PR politics so that the party continues to stand strong. Issues of security, the people’s welfare and action plans are needed in the event of a disaster, despite failing to be carried out as best possible.
“We saw what happened in Kuantan and Kemamam in the last flood. How long does it take to send food and transfer victims? The people need a committee that is more concern instead of prioritising political agendas, name and position,” he said.
Mahfuz urged for a new action plan to be implemented to form a NSC committee, and that the previous SOP needs to be completely revamped.
He said that the matter should be taken seriously because Ahmad Shabery’s statement is a clear acknowledgement that the NSC has weaknesses in terms of the people’s welfare and security.
