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Retract bill, govt urged

Wednesday, 30 November 2011 09:23am

©The Sun (Used by permission)
HUSNA YUSOP AND KAREN ARUKESAMY AT THE DEWAN RAKYAT YESTERDAY

> ‘We reject bill because it is against the spirit of Article 10 of the Federal Constitution’

OPPOSITION MPs, in debating the Peaceful Assembly Bill at committee stage, wanted the bill to be retracted and submitted to a Parliamentary Select Committee to correct its flaws.

They were of the opinion that the government should consider the Bar Council’s alternative bill as Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (PKR-Permatang Pauh) said it is more balanced.

“We reject the bill because it is against the spirit of Article 10 of the Federal Constitution which must be internalised with the maturity of the people,” he said.

“It must also be rejected because of the notification period. We can choose to be a matured democracy or an a la Myanmar or Zimbabwe democracy.

“In coming up with the amendments, the cabinet and the minister also did not take into consideration our suggestions on the fine for offences.”

Anwar said Myanmar only needs a five-day notification before organising an assembly and Zimbabwe, only seven days.

“In fact, in 2002, pressured by the people and voice of democracy, Zimbabwe approved an amendment to its Public Order and Security Act to shorten the notice period to four days,” he said.Anwar also said the nation appeared to be left behind with the new bill and the government is worried about the voice of the people.

“All rallies are accused of being attempts to topple the government.

“Don’t they remember in February 1946, Onn Jaafar led some 15,000 people to protest against the formation of Malayan Union?” Anwar asked.In supporting the bill, Abdul Rahman Dahlan (BN-Kota Belud) said it is better than the Police Act as under its provisions, anyone can organise demonstrations, even spontaneously, as there is no need for a police permit.

He said notification to police is, however, required in order to maintain public order and security, adding the police is the most rightful authority to decide on this matter.

“The problem with the opposition is they insulted the police too much. Give them a chance. They know how to do their job,” Abdul Rahman said.

Lim Guan Eng (DAP-Bagan) opposed the bill, saying it gives too much power to the minister in deciding on the designated venues for assembly.

He said Pakatan Rakyat MPs are not against rallies or gatherings as long as they are peaceful.He also said the government should retract the bill as it would only destroy all rights to public assembly.

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