Rights activists denounced the National Security Council Act, which came into law on Monday, as a draconian measure with the potential to infringe on human rights.
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The law comes as Najib faces increased scrutiny over the financial scandal surrounding the Malaysian development fund 1MDB.
The council can declare a state of emergency in areas deemed to be under a security threat, impose curfews and have wide powers of arrest, search and seizure without a warrant.
Critics accuse Najib and his government of enacting the law, and other tough recent legislation, to ward off political and legal challenges.
Although the new security law is aimed at countering terrorism threats but the critics think that Najib might use it as a tool to hold on to power.
The passage of the law came amid the ongoing furore over the billions of dollars allegedly stolen from 1MDB.
Authorities in several countries are investigating allegations that 1MDB was looted over several years.
‘There is good reason to fear that the act will be yet another tool in the hands of the government to crack down on peaceful protests under the guise of national security, ‘ said Josef Benedict, its deputy director for South East Asia and the Pacific, in a statement.
The U.S. forfeiture demand, the largest single action it’s taken, are by far the biggest threat to Najib’s credibility that could reinvigorate the opposition and ruling party members who are secretly opposed to him.
Mr Najib has stifled domestic pressure by cracking down on critics within his ruling party, scuttling investigations, and arresting whistleblowers and journalists.
In a statement, Najib’s office said the National Security Council Act has been deliberately misinterpreted.
Amnesty’s criticism has come after the regional human rights wing of the United Nations too expressed “grave concerns” over the new law on Friday (29 July), which it feared may lead to “unjust restrictions” on free speech and assembly.
The human rights group said Najib and his government are increasingly resorting to repressive laws in the name of protecting national security “but in practice, imperil human rights”.
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But worldwide pressure increased last week when the US Justice Department moved to seize more than $1.3 billion in assets it says were purchased with money stolen from 1MDB.
