Suspended directly-elected lawmaker Sulu Sou Ka Hou yesterday criticised the government for its “wrong” decision of proposing an amendment bill to the existing assembly and demonstration law – under the proposed amendments, groups planning to hold an assembly or protest will be required to inform the police in advance.
Sou, a vice-president of the non-establishment New Macau Association (NMA), made the remarks during an annual press conference about the group’s planned activities for this year and their comments on hot-button issues in civil society. The press conference was held at the group’s office in the Inner Harbour area.
The Executive Council announced in a press conference early this month that the government is proposing certain amendments to the existing law on assemblies and demonstrations. Under the proposed amendments, groups and individuals who plan to hold an assembly or demonstration will need to inform the Public Security Police (PSP) in advance, a change from the current situation in which they need to inform the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM).
Suspended lawmaker Sulu Sou Ka Hou (second from left), vice-president of the New Macau Association (NMA), NMA President Kam Sut Leng (centre), and their fellow members address yesterday’s annual press conference, at the group’s office in the Inner Harbour area. Courtesy TDM
