KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 13 — The government said it will amend the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (Act 736) to facilitate peaceful rallies, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the amendment bill, scheduled for tabling at the next Parliament session, will among others abolish Section 11 of the law on requiring approval from owners of an assembly site.
However, Anwar said, organisers will be required to notify the police five days before the gathering so the authorities can plan and manage security and traffic.
“Several previous actions, including the investigation into the anti-corruption rally involving university students, will be halted, and no action will be taken.
“The same applies to the hunger strike and protests or demonstrations over the Sosma (Security Offences Act (Special Measures) 2012) a few days ago: no action will be taken,” he said during Ministers’ Question Time.
Anwar said this in reply to Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) who asked if the government will amend Act 736 to make it easier for the people to rally peacefully without having to seek permission before gathering.
Elaborating, the Prime Minister said even though the proposed amendment would only be tabled at the next Parliament session, a moratorium on the act will apply.
“We have informed police that while the amendment is being made, the moratorium allows for notification to be given… Although there is some flexibility, there are still regulations to be followed, especially if (the rally) is planned in the palace compound or some security areas.
“That’s why there needs to be a notification, so police can call the organisers, learn how many people are expected, prepare weapons, or get assurance that (organisers) control the participants and clean the area after the peaceful assembly. I don’t think that’s too complicated,” he said.
On whether the government is prepared to review or abolish Sosma, Anwar agreed the law should be clear and not be misused, as in cases involving the Internal Security Act.
However, he said, no country in the world is exempt from the threat of terrorism, and it cannot be taken lightly and requires specific laws.
“While we support freedom and democracy, we must distinguish that there are still elements that lead to violence, terrorism, which requires a law quite different from the current method,” he added.
— Bernama
