IPOH – The Home Ministry is open to proposals to streamline police procedures in handling applications for assembly permits under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.
“Police are responsible for ensuring that the gatherings held do not cause congestion, disrupt premises, places of worship and strategic locations, besides addressing safety aspects outlined in the relevant act,” said minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
“So police are doing that, and the organisers feel that it should be made even more convenient. We are open to that,” he stated during a press conference after a programme in Ulu Kinta today.
Former Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah today called on the Home Ministry and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain to improve these procedures to ensure people could exercise their rights and freedoms in organising any gathering.
Maria Chin was addressing local media reports concerning the organising committee of Women’s March Malaysia, criticising the alleged rejection by police to accept its notice for the event under the provisions of the relevant act. – March 4, 2024