Activists protest govt’s pace in reforming Peaceful Assembly Act

Around 20 activists from civil society groups such as Mandiri, Himpunan Advokasi Rakyat Malaysia (Haram), Suaram, and Bersih convened near the home ministry today to condemn the government's sluggish pace in reforming the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (PAA). Wong Kueng Hui, a programme officer at Mandiri, revealed that the groups presented a memorandum to home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail in September of the previous year, promising further dialogue with stakeholders on the proposed reforms.

However, Kueng Hui expressed disappointment over the lack of follow-up and emphasized the government's silence.

The activists' memorandum today advocated for a stakeholder engagement committee on PAA reforms and the incorporation of 10 UN principles and guidelines on peaceful assemblies, alongside other measures. Several speakers also criticized Pakatan Harapan (PH) for failing to implement the reforms they had advocated for during their time in opposition, including the necessary amendments to the PAA. They urged PH to utilize its remaining term in government to fulfill the reforms they had pledged.

Haram president Brendon Gan cautioned that protracted delays could result in the government losing support, especially among young and progressive voters. He suggested that it would be advantageous for the Madani government to amend the PAA before losing power and becoming the opposition. Gan warned that, once in the opposition, they too would be in the streets protesting against the government.

The protesters delivered the memorandum to Omar Mokhtar, a representative from Saifuddin Nasution Ismail's office, as the minister was occupied in Parliament and unable to receive it directly. Omar assured the activists that he would review the memorandum and its demands, indicating the ministry's openness to further discussions with the groups.