PM: Emergency proclamations rescinded because M’sians ready for new era

(Bernama) – The Government rescinded three emergency proclamations because it is confident Malaysians are ready to enter a new era, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

“The Government believes that after more than half a century since Independence and practising democracy, Malaysians have reached a high level of maturity.

“And in view of this, we are now ready to enter a new era where the function of government is no longer seen as limiting freedom of the individual, but instead, ensuring that basic rights protected by the Constitution for each individual is assured,” he said in his speech at the installation of Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Istana Negara here Wednesday.

“Pursuant to this, after giving due consideration, a balance could be reached between freedom of the individual and national security,” Najib added.

He said in line with this aspiration, the Government, through Parliament, rescinded the three emergency proclamations and would allow all the ordinances under them to lapse in June except for three which will be tabled as new Bills that are related to the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela), Rukun Tetangga and Regional Maritime Laws.

The Prime Minister said the Government had also taken steps to repeal the Restricted Residence Act 1933 and Banishment Act 1959, formulate the Peaceful Assembly Act 2011 and amend the University and University Colleges Act (UUCA) 1971.