Speakers corner is something that has been mooted in a few countries around the world. It was a space that was allocater where public speaking is allowed. The original and most noted is in the north-east corner of Hyde Park in London, England. Speakers there are allowed to speak as long as the police consider their speeches lawful. Contrary to mythology there is no immunity from the law, nor are any subjects proscribed. In practice the police tend to be tolerant and intervene when they receive a complaint or when they hear bad language.
Coffee shop politicians and aspiring politicians often have views of their own. The speakers corner is a opportunity for those with something to say to come out and speak!
Singapore started a It was established by the government on September 1, 2000, at Hong Lim Park. The small park is notable for the presence of a large nearby police station. The Corner was established owing to dissatisfaction amongst Singaporeans who have few or no venues to air their public opinions.
Only Singaporean citizens who have registered with the police at the police station are allowed to speak. Speeches are subject to national laws, for example, racial and religious issues are prohibited.[2]
The Corner is opened during daylight hours, from 7 am to 7 pm, every day of the year. The speaker must speak only in one of the four official languages of Singapore. The Parliament passed an exemption under the Public Entertainment Act to exempt public speeches at Speakers’ Corner from licensing requirements. Speeches in the park are not televised or reported in the media. The young have found it much easier to discuss issues at the Internet forums than in the government-designated Speakers’ Corner.
What if Malaysia had something similar? A stage for anyone and everyone to come out and speak to the masses. Of course there can be some clear guidelines that one has to ensure they follow but a chance for their voices to be heard. Lately we have had many people who have some good ideas, brilliant thoughts but hardly heard by anyone.This will promote our struggle in freedom of speech since blogs are now targets of the governments
Before you start telling me things like it will never happen here and those who go and speak would be targets or ISA potentials, do you think you would like something like that here in Malaysia, given the opportunity?
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