At the National Assembly yesterday many members called for early passage of the Bill on Demonstrations, saying demonstrations have become a burning social issue that needs to be regulated by a law.
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| Deputy Vo Thi Dung speaks at the NA meeting yesterday |
The bill, drafted by the Ministry of Public Security at the suggestion of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, should be included in the house’s 2011-16 lawmaking agenda, many deputies said.
The government has not put it in the agenda for early discussion.
Trinh The Khiet, a deputy from Hanoi, said gathering to voice complaints about a certain issue had become a common event among people.
“Therefore, there should be a Law on Demonstrations soon to create a mechanism for people to publicly express their views on issues.”
Tran Thi Quoc Khanh, also of Hanoi, agreed, saying, “Such a law will help people organize their demonstrations and in a lawful manner.”
Several deputies pointed out that some bills that were not urgently required to be passed -- like the one on prevention and control of money laundering and terrorist funding -- were included in the agenda.
They should be considered only after more urgent bills like the ones on demonstrations, prevention and control of corruption, and referendums, were discussed, they said.
Speaking to Tuoi Tre, Major General Le Van Cuong, former director of the Ministry of Public Security’s Strategy and Science Institute, said the right to demonstrate was one of the most basic rights.
If people wish to express their opinions legally and peacefully, the authorities have to allow this basic right, he said.
Once laws with transparent regulations are in place, no one can make use of laws to cause harm to the society and the government, he added.
The NA’s lawmaking agenda for 2011-16 includes 104 bills and six draft ordinances.