Bersih said engaging these stakeholders was vital in ensuring that the amendments made reflected the “needs and wants” of the people, and that they would be on par with international standards.

It said that amendments to the PAA must serve as “evidence” that the government not only respected the freedom of the people to express themselves, but was also committed to uphold such rights.

“We call on the government to enforce these changes, transparently and inclusively, as soon as possible,” it said in a statement.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government had agreed to amend the PAA to make it easier for the public to hold gatherings, by abolishing Section 11, among others.

Among the amendments is the proposed repeal of a section of the law requiring organisers to seek the consent of property owners or occupants before holding an assembly.

Activists have since hailed the move.

Former Suhakam commissioner Jerald Joseph said such an amendment was “long overdue”, and called on Putrajaya to provide clear instructions to enforcement agencies about the proposed changes.

Lawyers for Liberty adviser N Surendran, who also welcomed the move, called for Section 9(5) of the Act to be repealed as the provision made it difficult to hold spontaneous gatherings, which are a crucial aspect of democratic expression.

Bersih said the move to repeal the requirement to obtain consent from property owners was “timely”.

“It is in line with democratic principles,” it said.