Pas backs review of Peaceful Assembly Act
Secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said that the act must align with the apex court's decision and reflect the spirit of the constitution and human rights.
Section 9(5) of the act imposed a criminal penalty on organisers of public assemblies who failed to give police at least five days' notice before holding a gathering. ()
He also called for broader legal reform, including the repeal of other laws that he said could be used to stifle dissent.
These include the Sedition Act 1948, the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, which he described as draconian provisions that must be reconsidered.
Takiyuddin said that such legal reforms are consistent with promises made by Pakatan Harapan in the 15th General Election.
He said that the Federal Court ruling was in line with the principles enshrined in Article 10 of the constitution, which guarantees the right of every citizen to speak, assemble and associate peacefully and without arms.
Yesterday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had announced cabinet's decision to implement a moratorium on any prosecution under Section 9(5).
Saifuddin added that amendments to Section 11 of the act will be tabled in the next parliamentary sitting , which begins this month.
The section requires organisers of peaceful assemblies to seek the consent of venue owners before such gatherings can take place.
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