PUTRAJAYA: Amendments to strengthen the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 could be tabled in the June Parliament sitting this year, says government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil (pic).
The Communications Minister said this was in line with the government’s intentions to improve the Act.
“We expect the amendments to be brought to the earliest Parliament sitting or the one in October,” said Fahmi in his weekly briefing at the Communications Ministry in Putrajaya yesterday.
Fahmi also said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail recently informed the Cabinet that 99% of applications for public gatherings between 2020 to 2024, had been approved.
“Nearly all applications were approved. This is a good figure and we believe that when the amendments are brought to Parliament, the right to assemble will be strengthened,” added Fahmi.
The next Parliament meeting will take place from June 23 until July 31, while the last meeting this year will be from Oct 6 to Dec 4.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said the Cabinet was briefed by Investment, Trade and Industry minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz about ongoing discussions between Malaysia and the United States regarding the latter’s tariffs on Malaysian exports to the United States.
“Tengku Zafrul said the visit has created a positive view and he has reported to the Cabinet about the next steps and which sectors will be prioritised in ongoing talks.”
Fahmi said the special Parliament sitting on May 5 will see Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim explaining the government’s approach to dealing with US tariffs against Malaysian products which amount to 24%.
“There will be debates by MPs and Tengku Zafrul will also deliver a winding up speech.”
On another matter, Fahmi added that the government decided to completely end the egg subsidy on Aug 1 because local stocks have shown positive growth.
“The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry will continue monitoring the situation to ensure there are no disruptions to the supply or sale of eggs,” added Fahmi.
The government has agreed to end the price control on chicken eggs and reduce the eggs subsidy rate from RM0.10 to RM0.05 per egg, effective May 1, 2025.
Subsequently, the egg subsidy will be completely abolished on Aug 1, 2025.
