The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) today asked the government to consider several proposals before the Peaceful Assembly Bill 2011 is passed in Parliament.

Its chairperson, Hasmy Agam, said among the proposals were to review the ban on gatherings within 50 metres from prohibited areas as it was impractical and unrealistic in many cities as well as on the children’s participation since there were treaty obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

The commission also requested the government to review Clause 19 which considers organisers as one who encourages, sponsors, conducts or supervises the assembly, invites or recruits participants or speakers for the rally.

“They are carrying out their democratic rights and should not be held fully responsible in the event of any non-compliance,” he said in a statement in Kuala Lumpur.

- Bernama