24-07-2025
1,815 cases probed under Peaceful Assembly Act
A TOTAL of 1,815 cases have been investigated under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (Act 736) nationwide from 2012 to June 2025, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Of the total, 33 cases have been prosecuted in court, with nine convicted under the law.
'In line with the Federal Court's decision declaring Section 9(5) of this Act unconstitutional, the Home Ministry will 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 yesterday to a question by Syahredzan Johan (PH-Bangi).
Syahredzan 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 Nasution said the ministry's position on this will be established after a review.
He also said that the right to freedom of peaceful assembly guaranteed by the Federal Constitution will also be considered.
Previously, it was reported that the Home Ministry will table amendments to Section 11 of the Act. He also said 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.
