A civil society movement has submitted a memorandum to members of the Dewan Negara, calling them to oppose the Peaceful Assembly Bill 2011, which is expected to be passed by the Upper House today.
In its memorandum to both Pakatan Rakyat and BN senators, KilltheBill.org urged the senators to put the Federal Constitution and public interest before partisan interest, to reject the Bill.
The grassroots movement, which had staged four peaceful protests since the Bill was passed by the Dewan Rakyat on Nov 30, urged senators to consider several compelling reasons against the Bill before debating it today:
It was drafted without meaningful public consultations. Its many flaws cannot be mitigated with just six amendments introduced in the Dewan Rakyat.
* It does not meet international standards in regulating public assemblies, particularly through the blanket ban on street processions.
* It is all-encompassing that its enforcement will either be selective or ridiculous.
* It does not prevent violence, falsifying the argument that the restrictions imposed ensures peace.
* It is unconstitutional as it goes against Article 10(1)(b) of the federal constitution.
“We hope the Dewan Negara will listen to us,” said the movement’s coordinator Vienna Looi (far right in photo) at press conference held jointly with eight Pakatan senators.
PKR senator Syed Hussin Ali said Pakatan senators will stand firmly against the Bill, despite being outnumbered.
Expecting the Bill to be passed by Parliament in spite of their objections, Syed Husin assured that “the power of the people will force the ruler to withdraw any cruel law”.
Echoing Syed Hussin, DAP senator S Ramakrishnan added that freedom of expression is crucial for any country, and restricting it will place a curb on innovative thinking.
The Peaceful Assembly Bill 2011 is expected to be passed in the Dewan Negara without a hitch as BN has an overwhelming majority in the Upper House.
The Dewan Rakyat had passed the Bill after less than four hours of debate, following a walkout by Pakatan Rakyat MPs.
