An international human rights group has urged the authorities to allow the ‘Walk for Freedom’ to proceed without hindrance.

The New York based-Human Rights Watch (HRW) said the Bar Council has real concerns about the Peaceful Assembly Bill and that these should be heard.

NONE “They have serious proposals to amend the (draft) law and the government should give them a serious hearing,” deputy Asia director Phil Robertson said in a statement today.

Yesterday, Chinese daily Sin Chew Daily had quoted Kuala Lumpur police chief Mohamad Salleh as saying that the march would be deemed illegal and that the police will against participants.

HRW has sent a letter urging Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to withdraw the Bill and refer it to a Parliamentary Select Committee, so that stakeholders can air their views and propose amendments.

“The government has yet to explain why it is rushing to pass a law that so many Malaysian groups are saying is seriously flawed,” Robertson said.

NONE “Najib should take the time to listen to all sides in this critical debate, starting with the Bar Council.”

The letter, signed by Robertson, expressed concerns about the Bill itself, as well as the "undue haste" with which it is being rushed through Parliament.

The Bill, tabled just a week ago, is expected to be passed with some amendments late today.

Although the government claims that it will regulate peaceful assemblies, critics have charged that the Bill is even more oppressive that Section 27 of the Police Act that it will replace. In particular, it will impose a blanket ban on street protests.

azlan Other issues highlighted include the lengthy 30-day notification period, wide powers for the home minister and the police in regulating assemblies, stiff fines, and extensive list of ‘prohibited places’ from which assemblies will be banned within a 50m radius.

Opposition to the Bill had seen in a 400-strong protest at KLCC park.

De facto law minister Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz announced on Saturday that the Bill would be amended to shorten the timeline for notification, but critics said the amendments do not address the issue of infringement of the right to assembly.

Najib had dismissed criticism of the Bill and accused opponents of trying to confuse the public .

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