The #TakNakDiktator campaign coalition today reminded the government to honour the Conference of Rulers' call for the National Security Council (NSC) bill to be refined.

Their statement comes ahead of the next Parliament session which begins on Monday.

Speaking on behalf of the group, former Bar president Ambiga Sreenevasan also thanked the Malay rulers for not signing off on the bill as yet.

"We note that according to the federal gazette, the Yang Di Pertuan Agong has not yet given his royal assent to the NSC Bill even though it has been over two months since the bill was passed by the Dewan Negara.

"We welcome the prudence of the Conference of Rulers to uphold the separation of powers that is essential to preserving democracy in Malaysia," she said in a statement today.

On Feb 17, Bernama reported that the Conference of Rulers had sent the NSC back to the attorney-general's chambers for refinement.

Attorney-General Apandi Ali said he would review some sections of the bill while Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said he took note of the rulers suggestion.

Any changes to the bill, which was passed by Parliament on Dec 22, would mean that it would need to be re-tabled in the House, laywer Syahredzan Johan told Malaysiakini .

Among others, the NSC bill allows the chairperson of the National Security Council to declare an area a security zone and impose emergency-like conditions in that area due to security reasons, which he can decide upon.

The NSC chairperson is the prime minister.

Najib earlier defended the NSC as a much-needed step to face the rising threat of terrorism.