The Peaceful Assembly Bill, to replace Section 27 of the Police Act will be tabled next week, said Minister in Prime Minister’s Department, Mohd Nazri Aziz, yesterday.
“It will be tabled by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Tun Razak next week, but we have yet to confirm the date,” he said.
Najib announced the review of Section 27 of the Police Act and the abolishment of the Internal Security (ISA) and Restricted Residence Acts during his Malaysia Day speech in September.
The Restricted Residence and Banishment Acts were repealed last month while the ISA is expected to be dealt with on March 2012.
Speaking after a mass circumcision ceremony here, Nazri who is also Padang Rengas member of parliament, said debate on the Peaceful Assembly Bill has been scheduled for four days, on November 24, 29 and 30 and December 1.
On an unrelated matter, Nazri welcomed DAP chairman Karpal Singh’s proposal for all states to come to a consensus to hold state elections simultaneously with general elections.
“Of course it can be held simultaneously, we will save cost but it’s alright if it wasn’t held together also. It depends on the individual state’s administration,” he said.
But for all states governed by Barisan Nasional elections will be held at the same time as general elections, except for Sarawak, he added.
Based on their respective constitutions, the state assemblies can be dissolved by the Ruler or Yang DiPertua Negeri on the advise of the Menteri Besar or Chief Minister.
– Bernama
C. Khor
CJMY
