More than 200 people protested against the Peaceful Assembly Bill, which they say goes against their right to have peaceful assemblies.
KUALA LUMPUR: More than 200 people gathered in opposition of the Peaceful Assembly Bill today.
With many dressed in yellow T-shirts, the crowd gathered at the park near the Suria KLCC shopping centre here at around 2:15pm.
Seen holding yellow-coloured items such as balloons and placards, they called for the Bill to be abolished.
“Bebas Rakyat! Say no to the Bill! Merdeka!” the crowd chanted several times during the 30-minute gathering.
The crowd was led by Bersih 2.0 steering committee members, who insisted that the gathering was not a protest but in fact “a social assembly”.
Nevertheless, the Bersih 2.0 representatives present vehemently protested against the Bill, which was tabled by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak in Parliament two days ago.
‘This is ridiculous’
Bersih 2.0 steering committee member Maria Chin Abdullah said: “The introduction of this Bill rolls back the human rights status of Malaysia.”
“It is unacceptable, unconstitutional, and goes against Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.”
If passed, the Peaceful Assembly Bill would require would-be protestors to notify the police of an intended gathering 30 days before it would be held.
Protesters would also not be allowed to conduct street rallies and are forbidden from meeting 50 metres from selected buildings such as hospitals and schools.
The police would also have the final say on whether a protest would be held or not.
Even though certain provisions affecting the Bill might come about as suggested by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nazri Abdul Aziz, those gathered today called for the law to be dropped immediately.
Malaysian Makkal Sakhti Party president A Vathemurthy criticised the government for being undemocratic.
“It is wrong of the government to feel the need to control us. We want a democratic country, where the people’s rights are exercised. We definitely don’t like the Bill, it’s ridiculous!” he said.
Bersih 2.0 steering committee member Wong Chin Huat, “Aunty Bersih” Annie Ooi Siew Lan, DAP MPs Charles Santiago and Lim Lip Eng were also present.
The crowd dispersed peacefully at around 2:45pm, following repeated requests from KLCC security personnel.
‘Don’t lie, Najib’
Meanwhile, about 60 people turned up at Dataran Merdeka later this evening to register their protest towards the Bill.
Urging Najib to immediately withdraw the Bill, the group told the prime minister not to lie to the rakyat.
The crowd chanted: “Long live the people! Freedom to gather! Do not take our rights, withdraw this repressive law! Najib lies, fulfil your promises for reform!”
Lighting up candles, the group, many wearing yellow, marched to the Bar Council office.
Police had closed off Dataran Merdeka, and an officer told FMT that they had instructions tonight to clear out everyone for safety reasons.
One demonstrator, housewife Ng Boon Hooi, 39, said she brought her children, aged eight and 11, because she believed they need the exposure.
“No I am not afraid. This is a public place and the government should allow us and our children to be here safely,” said the ex journalist.
“I explain to my kids why we are here and why they say ‘Najib tipu’. I tell them that sometimes even leaders do wrong things,” she added.
