Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia has announced a significant legislative change to the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012. The Malaysian government plans to amend the law to facilitate easier participation in peaceful protests. This amendment, slated for the next parliamentary session, will remove Section 11 of the Act, which currently mandates obtaining consent from the owner or occupier of a place for assembly. Organizers will still be required to notify the police five days before any gathering, allowing law enforcement to manage security, control, and traffic effectively.
Anwar's announcement comes in response to recent events and public sentiment. Approximately 40 to 50 family members of detainees under Malaysia’s Security Offences Special Measures Act (SOSMA) commenced a strike outside Sungai Buloh Prison in Selangor after their visitation requests were denied. The rally, attended by about 200 mostly young protesters, highlighted the growing demand for more accessible public assembly avenues.
The amendment aims to simplify the process for groups intending to organize peaceful gatherings. While organizers will no longer need site owners' consent, they must still comply with police notification requirements. Failure to notify could result in fines up to RM10,000 (US$2,234). Anwar emphasized that assemblies involving weapons or young children would remain prohibited.
“This means the need to get approval for certain locations will be amended or removed. Section 11 of the Act – requiring obtaining approval from the owner or occupier of the place – will be removed from the rules,” – Anwar
The Prime Minister also addressed past actions taken against rally organizers and participants. He assured that investigations into the anti-corruption rally involving university students would be halted. Additionally, no action will be taken regarding the recent SOSMA-related protests.
“With this, several previous actions, including the investigation into the anti-corruption rally involving university students, will be halted, and no action will be taken,” – Anwar
The move marks a shift in governmental approach towards public assemblies in Malaysia. Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail previously insisted that rally organizers seek permission from entities like the Kuala Lumpur City Hall and private property owners, such as those at Sogo shopping centre. This requirement has often been seen as a hurdle for organizers.
“I have no problems with the rally but noted that ‘some locations were not approved’” – Anwar
The recent SOSMA-related hunger strike drew attention to these challenges. The SOSMA Act outlines special measures for state offences to maintain public order and security. Despite this, recent gatherings have been peaceful, with minimal disruptions reported.
“The same applies to the hunger strike and protests or demonstrations (regarding) SOSMA (Malaysia’s Security Offences Special Measures Act 2012) a few days ago, no action will be taken,” – Anwar
The police have been active in monitoring such assemblies and ensuring compliance with existing laws. However, changes in legislation may alter how future protests are managed. Over ten university students linked to January's anti-corruption rally were called in by police to record their statements, demonstrating ongoing scrutiny over public assemblies.
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