Malaysia to ease protest rules after critics slam probes into anti-graft rally

Organisers of peaceful assemblies will no longer need permission from venue owners

- Azril Annuar

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia is set to ease rules covering peaceful rallies in the country, after the government drew flak for investigating protesters at a recent anti-graft rally in Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told Parliament on Feb 13 that the government will table an amendment to the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 and remove Section 11, which stipulates that rally organisers must obtain permission from premise owners before any rallies can take place at the owners' venues.

"We have decided to amend (the Act), and the police have been informed that while the amendment is being tabled, a moratorium (on Section 11) will be enforced," said Datuk Seri Anwar.

"I guarantee that from now, peaceful assemblies will no longer need any permission (from the venue owners), but the police must be informed five days before the event so they may facilitate and ensure the safety of the participants and control traffic flow."

He said Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail will table the amendment in the next parliamentary session, which will be held from June 23 to July 31.