Over 1,800 cases investigated under Peaceful Assembly Act since 2012, says Home Minister
The Home Minister said that of the total cases, 33 cases have been prosecuted in court, and nine were convicted under the law.
'In line with the Federal Court's decision declaring Section 9(5) of this Act unconstitutional, the Home Ministry will thoroughly review and reassess the Act before setting any new stance and direction.
'This will be done in line with democratic principles, respect for human rights, and the current needs of the country,' he said in a written parliamentary reply on Thursday (July 24).
He was responding to a question by Syahredzan Johan (PH-Bangi) who had asked the ministry to state the total number of people investigated, charged and convicted under the Act and the government's stance following the recent court decision.
Saifuddin said that the ministry's position on this Act will be established after conducting a careful and balanced review.
He also said that the right to freedom of peaceful assembly guaranteed by the Federal Constitution would also be considered.
Previously, it was reported that the Home Ministry will table amendments to Section 11 of the Act.
He also said that the Cabinet decided to impose a moratorium on prosecutions under Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 as an initial step towards comprehensive reform of laws related to the right to assemble.
A five-member bench of the Federal Court had ruled that a provision under Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, which penalised an organiser who failed to provide the police with a five-day prior notice before holding an assembly, was unconstitutional.
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