Malaysia finalizes amendments to Peaceful Assembly Act after court ruling

Malaysia's government is moving to amend the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 after a key section was struck down by the Federal Court. The court found Section 9(5) of the act, which required organizers to give police five days' notice before holding a rally, to be unconstitutional.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that the proposed amendments incorporate the Federal Court's ruling, the Attorney General's Chambers' advice, and input from enforcement agencies and stakeholders. The ministry is currently seeking government approval for these changes.

The government aims to present the Peaceful Assembly Act (Amendment) Bill 2012 in Parliament at an appropriate session, provided all necessary approvals are obtained. This move follows the July 2025 decision by then-Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, which declared the notice requirement unconstitutional. The court determined that Subsection 9(5) was not validly enacted under Article 10(2)(b) of the Federal Constitution and did not constitute a legitimate restriction on the freedom of assembly guaranteed to citizens.