PM calls new assembly law ‘revolutionary’
By Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider
Rubbishing accusations that the Peaceful Assembly Bill was repressive, Datuk Seri Najib Razak today instead declared it a “revolutionary” law and a “giant leap” towards improving individual freedom.
The prime minister pointed out to opposition lawmakers in Parliament that, under the new legislation, the powers of the police would be capped and punitive action against protestors reduced to only fines instead of jail sentences.
“We aware, however, that no matter how noble the government’s intentions are, the opposition has already objected to the law.
“Supposedly, it chokes freedom to assemble. Is this allegation true? The answer: Not true at all,” he said when tabling a motion to lift three Emergency declarations here today.
