Govt's Move To Amend Peaceful Assembly Act Affirms Commitment To Assembly Rights

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 13 (Bernama) -- The government’s readiness to amend the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (Act 736) to facilitate and support peaceful gatherings reflects its commitment to upholding the right to assemble under the MADANI administration.

Unity Government Backbenchers Club chairman Khoo Poay Tiong expressed confidence that the proposed amendments would not compromise public peace and order.

“Organisers will still be required to submit a notice before holding an assembly so that the police have sufficient time to prepare security measures,” he told a press conference at the Parliament building today.

Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told the Dewan Rakyat during the minister’s question time that the government had agreed to amend the Act, with the changes expected to be tabled in the next parliamentary session.

Among the key amendments is the removal of Section 11 of Act 736, which currently requires the consent of property or site owners for gatherings, a provision that has been a point of contention.

Unity Government Backbenchers Club secretary Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh welcomed the move, saying that the right to assemble has long been a fundamental cause championed by his party.

“We hope this will foster a more vibrant democratic atmosphere. While we do not want to expose the public to security threats, we must strike a balance between security and freedom,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pulai MP Suhaizan Kaiat described the amendments as a positive step in reassuring both citizens and the international community that Malaysia upholds the right to peaceful assembly and free expression.

-- BERNAMA