Introduction

[1] This appeal concerns the interpretation of s 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (" PAA ").

[2] The background facts giving rise to this appeal are these. The respondent was charged in his capacity as an organiser of an assembly, at the Sessions Court, Johor Bahru, an offence under s 9(1) of the PAA , which is punishable under s 9(5) of the same Act. The charge reads as follows:

"Bahawa kamu pada 15 Mei 2013 jam lebih kurang 8.30 malam, di pejabat Parti Keadilan Rakyat No 38, Jalan Baladu 19, Taman Puteri Wangsa, Ulu Tiram, dalam Daerah Johor Bahru, dalam Negeri Johor Darul Takzim, di mana Program Himpunan Black 505, Bantahan Terhadap SPR telah diadakan, sebagai penganjur program tersebut, kamu gagal memberitahu Ketua Polis Daerah Johor Bahru Selatan 10 hari sebelum program tersebut diadakan dan oleh yang demikian kamu telah melakukan kesalahan di bawah s 9(1) Akta Perhimpunan Aman 2012 dan boleh dihukum di bawah s 9(5) Akta yang sama."

[3] The assembly was held at the office of Parti Keadilan Rakyat ["PKR"], Johor Bahru. The respondent had failed to notify the Officer in Charge of the Police District (O