Tuesday, May 4, 2010

1st Speaker's Corner in Malaysia and it is in my home state

I am glad to hear that today in Penang, the Speakers' Corner was launched.  "The Speakers’ Corner fulfills the aspirations of empowering the people by encouraging citizens to exercise their constitutional rights under Article 10 (1)(a) of the Federal Constitution of freedom of speech and expression and Article 10 (1)(b) where all citizens have the right to assemble peaceably." MT

I especially like point No.7 in Penang Chief Minister's speech in launching the Speakers' Corner.

" I have always said that a good government must do three things: listen to the people, do the people’s work and give hope to the people. The Speakers’ Corner serves as a catalyst to the growing spirit of democracy throughout Penang and the willingness of the state government to listen to the people to be a good government" You can read the rest of the speech here posted in 'My Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.'

Now, how many more states in Malaysia will follow this small step in recognizing the peoples' right to free speech? This small step will hopefully generate many more bigger steps in the long road for democracy.

Well done, Penang.

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