Malaysia has appointed Defence Forces chief Zulkifeli Mohd Zin as the first Director-General of the National Security Council (NSC).

Defence Forces chief Zulkifeli Mohd Zin has been appointed as the first Director-General of the National Security Council (Photo: esscom.gov.my)

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the appointment took effect on August 15, stressing that the assignment is part in the government’s effort to ensure security bodies’ cohesive coordination.

However, Zahid said senior police officers could be made NSC director-general in the future.

The NSC includes the Prime Minister serves as the President of the council, a Deputy Prime Minister serves as Vice President of the council, and the Ministers of Defence, Home Affair, Telecommunication and Multimedia, the Chief of the Prime Minister’s Office, the commander of armed forces, and the inspector-general of police as members.

The council is considered to be powerful as it has the right to declare curfew in any areas in the country.

Earlier, the council had only a civil officer to serve as secretary.

(Source: VNA)