Suaram condemns MCA president Liow Tiong Lai for advocating a ban on all rallies, which they say is against human rights and guarantees under the Federal Constitution.

"Suaram strongly disagrees with the narrow views espoused by Liow in regards to rallies taking place in Malaysia.

"We would like to inform the good minister that rallies are not illegal," said its executive director Sevan Doraisamy, referring to the right of peaceful assembly under Article 10, the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, and a Federal Court decision on the issue.

"The freedom to assemble and espouse our view is crucial to any democratic system. Without such freedom, we cannot in good conscience consider ourselves a democratic and mature society," he said.

Yesterday, Liow had issued the party's stand which opposes both Bersih 4 and Sept 16 rallies, as well as demanding a stop on all future rallies.

"They are threatening to tear the fabric of our nation apart. All mass rallies must be stopped," he had said.

Sevan (photo) called on MCA to instead promote open discussion of issues, which it said is done between BN coalition parties.

"The call for action against all mass rallies itself runs contrary to the ideal of being able to openly discuss issues that form the basis of BN," he said.

'Rallies not a threat to nation'

The human rights organisation said it agreed with the MCA chief’s concern on violence instigated by some rally-goers.

However, it said this can be countered by the police force taking action against the individuals concerned, and playing its role in assisting and facilitating rallies.

Suaram also called on MCA to condemn those instigating and supporting such behaviours and not penalise others who express their views through peaceful means.

"Malaysian’s right to peacefully assemble should not be jeopardised due to the actions of a minority.

“The notion to ban and limit all forms of mass rallies and public protests due to the ill-advised actions of a small minority is at best juvenile and immature; and at worst, tyrannical," it said.

Peaceful assemblies are part of the values held by Malaysia’s founding fathers when they pushed for independence, it added.

"We hope the minister can take a good look at the country and realise that peaceful assemblies and rallies are not a threat to the fabric of our nation,” Suaram said.