— The Malaysian Insider Nov 22, 2011
NOV 22 — On September 15, Datuk Seri Najib Razak went further than just saying he will repeal the Internal Security Act (ISA). In effect, he said the government of the day will treat all Malaysians as adults by reviewing section 27 of the Police Act on the freedom of assembly.
This freedom is enshrined in Article 10 of the Federal Constitution and the prime minister said then that the government will allow public gatherings based on international norms while taking a firm stand against street demonstrations.
Today, he made good his promise. In the most surprising of ways. His administration tabled the Peaceful Assembly Bill 2011 that actually ends any right to a public procession for any other reason except for religious events and funerals.
The Bill also seeks to limit constitutional right of assembly but doing so under guise of a more liberal government that takes care of every stakeholder of any public assembly. Fact is, the police now have wider powers than merely denying a permit.
They can suggest alternative venues for such assemblies, they can hold a draw to decide between two or more simultaneous assemblies — all in the name of a liberal and more democratic government.
Of course, the new law will not infringe on assemblies for elections or labour disputes. It is specific for those who have some beef against someone else. And with steeper fines too.
And the nub of problem is this: the new legislation, whether it’s the Peaceful Assembly Act or replacement security law for the ISA, is showing that this government is all along more interested in window dressing than true reforms.
It is interested in making announcements that will raise people’s hopes only to be let down months later. If anything, this new law is chilling for greater democracy in Malaysia. If anything, this new law is just proof that Barisan Nasional (BN) will not do anything to jeopardise its hold on Putrajaya.
This from a government that has done a lot for the country over the years. It reflects a great insecurity on its part by proposing such laws that impinge on civil liberties. What a pity. One expects better from a government that promises 1 Malaysia. People First. Performance Now.