Expert Says Peaceful Assembly Act Amendment Timely, Recommends Feasibility Study For Orderly Gatherings

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 14 (Bernama) -- The government’s decision to amend the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (Act 736) to facilitate and support the organisation of peaceful gatherings is timely, ensuring that citizens can assemble to express their views on relevant issues.

However, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's legal advisor, Associate Prof Dr. Salawati Mat Basir, emphasised the need for a feasibility study to ensure that such gatherings remain orderly and do not disrupt public peace.

"There is a risk of misunderstanding among the public regarding the concept of freedom, as many may demand absolute freedom.

"While the Federal Constitution grants the right to protest, we practice guided democracy, meaning assemblies cannot take place without reasonable restrictions," she said in a phone interview with Bernama Radio’s Reaksi programme today.

She also welcomed the decision to require organisers to notify the Royal Malaysia Police at least five days before a gathering, noting that this would help authorities maintain order.

Commenting on the public’s ability to handle greater freedom of assembly, Salawati noted that Malaysians, in general, are not accustomed to a protest culture like in some other countries.

Therefore, she emphasised the need for education on the principles of guided democracy.

"We are not like other countries where protests often lead to violence and property damage. That is not Malaysia," she said, adding that demonstrations here typically involve specific groups rather than the general public.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced during the Minister’s question time in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday that the government has agreed to amend the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (Act 736) to facilitate and support the organisation of peaceful gatherings.

He added that among the proposed amendments is the removal of Section 11 of the Act, which currently requires the consent of the owner of the premises or land for an assembly. This issue has been a point of contention.

-- BERNAMA