PAA amendments make it easier for rakyat 'to do what they want to do'

PARLIAMENT | The government's move to decriminalise street protests under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 will now make it easier for the rakyat to exercise their constitutional rights to freedom of expression and association, according to Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

"The rakyat can do what they want to do. We want to make that easier," he told reporters at the Parliament lobby. "I think Malaysians should laud this move to make things easier." 

Asked whether there were concerns that legalising street protests could lead to violent uprisings as most recently seen in Hong Kong, Muhyiddin reassured that his ministry had consulted various stakeholders – including Suhakam – before pushing for the legislative reform.

He also said the amendments tabled for first reading this morning would only extend to peaceful protests, and that the government could rely on other laws should demonstrations turn violent.

"We are now taking away the expression 'street protest'... but follow the rules, make sure it's peaceful, not to the extent of creating issues of security," he said. 

"What happens if a protest turns out to be rowdy, rough and other things? So then other laws will have to come in.

"The Penal Code, whatever other provisions in the law, are there to ensure there is always peace. If somebody goes against the law, other provisions will come in," he stressed.

Muhyiddin is expected to table the amendment bill for its second and third readings sometime this week.

Thus far, the PAA has only allowed stationary rallies.

Among the proposed amendments to the law include removing the term "street protest" as defined under Section 3 of the act and its subsequent mentions.

The term "street protest" is defined as an assembly involving marching to protest against or advance a cause.

With the amendments, a lawful public assembly would include a march from one location to another. - Mkini