KUALA LUMPUR: Citizens have the right to freedom of expression, including the right to organize or participate in peaceful gatherings, provided they comply with stipulated regulations, said Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri, Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.

Citing the Peaceful Assemblies Act of 2012 (Act 736), he said, the organizer is required to notify the police within five days before the date of the proposed assembly.

“It is the responsibility of the police to take the necessary measures to ensure that the gathering takes place in an orderly manner.

“Based on this law, the permit application constitutes notification of the assembly,” he said in response to a question from Chow Yu Hui (PH-Raub) on whether a police permit is necessary to organize a gathering during the question. and response session at the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (October 22).

Shamsul Anuar said that the notice of meeting under section 9(1) of the Act must meet the prescribed requirements including completion of the form

notification form indicating the details of the proposed meeting, the estimated number of participants and the persons designated by the organizer to ensure the smooth running of the meeting.

He said the police have the power under Section 15 of the Act to impose conditions and restrictions on a gathering in order to ensure public order and safety, as well as protect the rights and freedoms of others.

“The police will allow the gathering if all rules are followed, but violations also happen, for example by touching on sensitive issues,” he said. – Bernama