Opposition leaders commended the Human Rights Commission's (Suhakam) landmark report on freedom of assembly today, saying it was time for the authorities and police to change their attitude towards peaceful gatherings.

DAP chairperson Lim Kit Siang said Members of Parliament (MPs) should debate the report during the ongoing Parliament session and give full endorsement to Suhakam's position that peaceful assemblies were 'a healthy way for the public to express dissatisfaction over matters that affected their lives'.

"Suhakam deserves full commendation for coming out with the strong report today upholding the citizen's right to unrestricted and legal peaceful assemblies, recommending a total change in the attitude of authorities and far-reaching amendments to the Police Act as a long-term solution," Lim said in a press statement.

The veteran politician also urged Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to withdraw the blanket ban on political ceramah ( gatherings) and implement Suhakam's proposal that police adopt a more lenient approach in granting permits for assemblies as well as the introduction of speakers' corners.

Lim also called on the country's leadership to change their mind set as suggested by Suhakam regarding such matters.

Suhakam's report, which was released today, highlighted cases of police brutality in the form of teargas, water cannons and beatings during public assemblies.

Commissioner Mehrun Siraj said the report would be submitted to Parliament soon but no exact date was given.

Blanket ban

Last month, the police announced that it was imposing a 'blanket ban' on political ceramah, claiming that these gatherings were potential security threats. The move ignited criticism from opposition parties with PAS vowing to defy the ban.

On July 16, PAS central committee member and Kuala Kedah MP Mohammad Sabu and two others were detained by police for holding a ceramah in Negri Sembilan.

They were charged under Section 27(5)(a) of the Police Act in court yesterday.

A Johor PAS Youth leader was arrested under the Internal Security Act yesterday for planning what police said was an illegal gathering.

PRM president Dr Syed Husin Ali when contacted said it was high time the police realised that they should not act brutally against those who attended peaceful gatherings.

"I am glad that Suhakam confirmed our reports of police brutality during public assemblies.

"The police have always been this way and of late they have not only been brutalising people who attended and listened to ceramah without giving adequate warnings, but they have also begun to fire tear gas in kampungs," Syed Husin told malaysiakini.

'More professional'

Keadilan secretary-general Anuar Tahir said police should return the people's right to freedom of assembly and not take actions as if the country was in an emergency situation.

"I welcome Suhakam's recommendations that reform should be done within the police force of the country, he said.

Political secretary to PAS president Fadzil Noor when contacted said that it was the duty of the police to safeguard those who attended public gatherings and not instead create problems.

"The presence of police at these gatherings are acceptable to maintain peace and order, but they shouldn't be the ones who create trouble," said Mohd Hatta Mohd Ramli.

"They should be more professional and consider that the public, including the elderly and children, attend these gatherings and therefore they cannot act drastically in dispersing the crowd, especially in rural areas where the people are not familiar with police rules," he said.