Govt to table amendments to Peaceful Assembly Act in next Parliament sitting
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the amendments will be to Section 11 of the act which requires organisers of peaceful assemblies to seek the consent of venue owners for such gatherings to take place.
"The Madani government holds high the princicples of democracy and the supremacy of the Constitution by ensuring that the rights of the people to gather peacefully are protected,
"Since 2023, more than 10,000 assemblies have been held and 98 per cent of them took place without any restrictions. In 2024, this went up to 99 per cent.
"This shows that Malaysians are growing more mature in using their rights to assemble peacefully and responsibly," he said in a statement.
Saifuddin said the prime minister, as the leader of the government's reform agenda, had announced the cabinet's decision to implement a moratorium on any prosecution under Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act which requires organisers to inform police of any gathering five days in advance.
"This was an initial step towards a comprehensive reform of laws related to the right to assemble. In line with this commitment, the Home Ministry will also table amendments to Section 11 of the act in the upcoming parliamentary sitting," he said.
Saifuddin's statement comes in the wake of the Federal Court decision earlier today that Section 9(5) of the act was unconstitutional.
He said the ministry acknowledges the apex court's decision and would scrutinise it for further action.
"This includes considering proposed amendments to the affected legal provisions, so that they align with the requirements of the Constitution and are consistent with the decision of the nation's highest court.
"The Madani government will continue to ensure a balance between individual freedoms and the need to need to maintain public order and safety.
"It is a priority for the government to ensure that every right of the people, guaranteed by the Constitution, can be exercised in a peaceful, orderly, and responsible manner."
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