spontaneous assemblies, bars those under age 21 from organizing an assembly, and prohibits non-citizens and children below 15 from participating. Recommendation: ● Amend Act 736 namely section 4 (Right to Organize Assembly or Participate in Assembly), section 9(5) (Notification of Assembly), and section 10 (Requirements Regarding Notification of Assembly). 2.3. Freedom of Religion The Government was urged to amend the National Registration Act 1959 [Act 78] to remove all references to religion on the National Registration Identity Cards (NRICs)but it has received objections from Muslim groups. Many States Syariah laws allow for Syariah courts to make a declaration that one is no longer a Muslim and with such declaration, the person may submit it to the National Registration Department to delete the word “Muslim” from his/her NRIC. Apostasy only affects Muslims. These laws do not conflict with the right to equality as stated in Article 8 as it must be read with Art. 11(4) FC. Recommendations: ● Ensure the Interfaith Harmony Committee (HARMONI) ii carries out its functions. 2.4. Arbitrary Detention Current laws provide for arbitrary detention such as the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 [Act 297], Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 [Act 747], and the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 [Act 769], which contravene civil liberties guaranteed in the FC including due process and fair trial. Recommendations: ● Anti-terrorism provisions must be clearly defined in Malaysian laws and drafted in adherence to international human rights standards. ● Act 747 should be amended to include judicial and parliamentary oversight for independent means of check and balance to safeguard against abuse of powers. The courts should be given discretionary power to review the merits of detention based on evidence produced. ● The Government to amend and/or abolish Act 297 and similar preventive detention laws, to safeguard human rights of the detainees against abuse. 3