(Editor’s note: Malaysiakini is republishing this article, first published in 2023, in light of the AGC filing a challenge against a Federal Court ruling that it is unconstitutional to penalise rally organisers for not giving police five days’ notice.)

The issue of notices and “permission” for demonstrations is back in the news once again, as Perikatan Nasional plans to stage a protest against the government this Saturday (Sept 16, 2023).

Even a Pakatan Harapan MP is playing the “permit” card, saying that PN needs to comply with the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA).

However, it was just two years ago when Harapan MPs - including now Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail - took part in a march which police said was not in compliance with the PAA.

This was when Harapan, along with other opposition lawmakers at the time, decided to...