KEY ISSUES KEY ISSUES Everyone is born free and equal in dignity and rights. Article 1, Universal Declaration of Human Rights Compelling calls for reform incorporating human rights were heard from many sections of civil society over the year, both from citizens at home and abroad. On the eve of Malaysia Day, the Prime Minister delivered a historic commitment to repeal or amend specific laws that have long been deemed oppressive of human rights. Nonetheless, many groups and individuals have continued to bring pressing human rights issues to the Government’s attention on their own and through the Commission. The issues, which have also attracted attention in the international media and social media, mainly involve freedom of assembly, preventive detention, freedom of expression, freedom of religion and the rights of vulnerable groups. 1. FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY .. I wish to emphasise that free of any suspicion and doubt, the Malaysia that we all dream of and are in the process of creating is a Malaysia that practises a functional and inclusive democracy where peace and prosperity are preserved in accordance with the supremacy of the Constitution, rule of law and respect for basic human rights and individual rights. Honourable Dato’ Sri Najib Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia, in his 2011 Malaysia Day message The fundamental liberty to assemble peacefully and express concerns and opinions is an essential element of democracy as guaranteed by Article 10(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution and as enshrined in Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The Commission welcomes the repeal of Sections 27, 27A, and 27B of the Police Act 1967 and the enactment of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2011, insofar as it does away with the requirement to seek the permission of the police to hold public assemblies. However, it is concerned that new provisions now give the police discretion to impose conditions, which could potentially undermine the right of the public to organise or participate in peaceful assemblies. During the passage of the Bill through Parliament, amendments were made with regard to the period of notification to organise an assembly. Nevertheless, the Commission urges the Government to review the Act through meaningful public consultation to ensure that its provisions comply with the human rights principle that guarantees freedom of assembly. 13