This Act is intended to strengthen the government's ability to address increasing threats to the nation's security, including threats of violent extremism.

[2][3] The Bill was introduced into parliament by Shahidan Kassim on 1 December 2015.

[4] It passed the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) on 3 December 2015,[5] and the Dewan Negara (Senate) on 22 December 2015 without amendment.

[3] The Act received Royal Assent on 18 February 2016 in pursuant to Clause 4A of Article 66 of the Federal Constitution.

[3] The National Security Council Act 2016, in its current form (7 June 2016), consists of 7 Parts containing 44 sections and no schedule (including no amendment).