The Malaysian Bar - Liow and Mukhriz defend peaceful assembly rules

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Liow and Mukhriz defend peaceful assembly rules

Thursday, 24 November 2011 01:13pm

©The Sun (Used by permission)
by HUSNA YUSOP AND HEMANANTHANI SIVANANDAM

PUTRAJAYA: The provisions in the Peaceful Assembly Bill that have come under mounting criticism from opposition politicians and human rights activists are there to ensure the safety and security of the people, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

In defending the bill, which was tabled for the first time on Tuesday, Liow said the provisions on the restriction of places to assemble, as well as the 30-day notification period for any assembly, among others, were part of security measures.

“That is why the bill has some constraints but overall it’s a good bill,” Liow, who is MCA deputy president, told theSun. He refuted arguments that the bill was regressive.

“How can it be regressive because now you just need to give notice and not apply for (a police) permit and the most important thing is the right to assemble. “The spirit of (this bill is) allowing the people to assemble and (have) freedom of speech so they can voice their views.

“I think this freedom must be seen as a step forward for the people in the country,” said Liow.

Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir also supported the bill, saying street demonstrations, which could lead to chaos, would have a direct impact on how investors will see Malaysia.

Speaking after attending the 12th meeting of the National Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Development Council at the Prime Minister’s Office here yesterday, Mukhriz said everyone has to work together to maintain stability as there is no way to legislate attitude.

“We can have certain laws, but if certain people still want to create chaos, no matter what the law says, that would have a direct impact on how investors see Malaysia,” he said.

Asked whether it was a smart move by the government to table the bill, he said the intent and purpose has to be understood very well.

“It is one thing to provide room for the right to express views, but at the same time, it does not necessarily have to infringe on the right of others, such as people running businesses in the city.”

Mukhriz also warned of outside forces with ulterior motives involved in street demonstrations in certain countries, including Malaysia. He added that if their agenda were found to be at the expense of the country, the government should take it very seriously.

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