The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (the commission) monitored the ‘Bantah TPPA’ public assembly on Jan 23, 2016. The following are the commission’s observations:

(i) The commission observed that the assembly was held and concluded peacefully.

(ii) The commission wishes to commend the authorities, in particular the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for respecting the democratic right of Malaysians to participate in peaceful assemblies, and for their exemplary cooperation in facilitating the assembly.

(iii) The commission welcomes the tremendous progress in a relatively short time that has been made by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) with regard to the policing of public assemblies in Kuala Lumpur, which should be replicated throughout Malaysia.

(iv) The commission observed good planning, a clear command structure and good communication between police personnel, organisers and participants.

(v) The commission also commends the police for managing and maintaining traffic flow throughout the event.

(vi) The commission observed that riot gear and weaponry were not deployed as part of a preventative approach, and that there was no visible presence of the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) at the areas where the assembly took place.

(vii) The commission observed the presence of liaison police officers, who were in charge of negotiating with the organisers on the smooth running of the peaceful assembly, and commends the Officers for their patience, discretion and diplomacy in ensuring that the events proceeded peacefully and without disorder.

The commission is of the view that the above indicates a willingness by the authorities to recognise, respect and fulfil the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, and this must be praised and recognised as good practices, which will undoubtedly have a deep resonance at the international level as well as influence other countries in the region positively.

HASMY AGAM is the chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam).