To date, there have been several attempts of amendments for the Police Act to be more in line with the internationally accepted human rights practices.

In June 2008, there was an attempt to amend the Section 27 which did not specify the criteria and guideline to the conditions needed for permits to hold public rallies to reflect international standards.

Home Minister Syed Hamid Syed Jaafar Albar said the ministry agreed that applications for public rally permits must be made nine days before the date of the event and that the decision be made in three days.

[1] The Police Act has been a subject of argument as it, to certain extent, inhibits the freedom of assembly.

Its allowance for the police to detain without warrant has been a constant watch by international human rights organisations.