Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 from the Perspective of Maqāsid al-Sharī‘ah

The Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 was enacted by the Parliament of Malaysia in 2012. There are various opinions concerning this Act. Those who object this Act believe that it is an attempt to prevent any form of assembly from taking place. However, there are those who, in contrast, believe that this Act is to control untoward incidents like riots and clashes. This article is meant to evaluate whether each jurisdiction of the Act is to prevent any form of assembly or to control it. If this Act is to prevent assemblies totally then, it should be modified and improvised since assemblies are approved and acknowledged by the Federal Constitution and in accordance with maqasid al-shar‘iah. However, if this Act strives to control assemblies, then it is in accordance with maqāsid al-shar‘iah. This study used library research as a method of study. It evaluated every jurisdiction in the article from the perspective of maqāsid al-shar‘iah. The study found that this Act is good for stability of the country and aims to control assemblies. However, some jurisdictions in this Act should be reviewed because it will prevent assemblies.