Malaysia’s ‘Peace Bill’ puts religious freedom at risk

“Religious freedom is at risk, if this bill passes”, says Fr. Lawrence Andrew, S.J. Editor of the Catholic Herald in Malaysia, referring to the Peaceful Assembly Act, currently before parliament, which would limit the right to public gatherings and assemblies.

Malaysia’s Lower House approved the draft law last week and it is scheduled to be reviewed by the Senate on December 7. Prime Minister Najib Razak's ruling coalition says the Peaceful Assembly Act is intended to strike a balance between public order and the right to peaceful assembly. But Malaysian and international rights groups describe it as repressive because it bans street rallies and imposes tough restrictions and penalties for demonstrators.

The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism denounced the bill and demanded it be withdrawn. The alliance “is particularly concerned the bill now specifies places where public assembly cannot be held and includes all places of worship,” the statement added.

“Already we are seeing restrictions, even though the Bill has yet to be passed”, says Fr. Lawrence. “Under the bill we have to request a permit to gather from police ten days in advance. But recently a Church that requested permission for faithful to go carolling in family homes was asked to supply the names and information of the people involved. They say religious freedom is respected but in reality its not”. Listen to Emer McCarthy’s full interview with Fr. Lawrence Andrew: