Anwar said key changes include the abolition of Section 11, which mandates that organisers seek the consent of property owners or occupants before holding an assembly.
He said organisers only need to notify the police five days in advance, as stipulated in the current law, to allow authorities to manage security, crowd control, and traffic.
“As such, all investigations, including those into an anti-corruption rally (Himpunan Rakyat Benci Rasuah) involving students, will be halted, and no further action will be taken,” he said during Prime Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.
“Similarly, no action will be taken regarding the hunger strike and protests related to Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) held in recent days (outside Sungai Buloh prison).”
However, Anwar said assemblies involving weapons or young children would still be prohibited.
The prime minister was responding to Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka), who asked whether the government was prepared to amend the Peaceful Assembly Act.
The act has been a point of contention for NGOs and political parties wishing to hold rallies and demonstrations, many of whom had urged previous governments to repeal it as well.
Participants were often summoned and investigated by the police following the conclusion of their rallies.
Earlier this year, just over 200 participants marched from the Sogo shopping complex to Dataran Merdeka to protest against corruption. Members of PAS, Bersatu and PKR’s youth wings were also present.
The organisers were initially at loggerheads with the police over a requirement for consent from Sogo and Kuala Lumpur City Hall for the use of public spaces as gathering points.
Anwar also addressed concerns about the government’s stance on public protests, saying approval rates have been consistently high.
In 2021, 97% of assembly applications were approved, while 2022 and 2024 saw approval rates of 98.9% and 98.78% respectively.
In response to Khoo’s supplementary question about designating specific locations for assemblies, Anwar said that organisers have the flexibility to choose their venues, except for security-sensitive areas such as palace grounds.
He was also of the view that Sosma remains relevant, but it cannot be misused.
“The question of terrorism in Malaysia cannot be taken lightly. There are police officers shot dead because the shooter thought it was his responsibility to shoot the police and other leaders,” he said when asked by Khoo whether Sosma should be reviewed.