GEORGE TOWN: Penang launched the country's first Speakers' Square, along the lines of Hyde Park in London which the state government billed as an important milestone for democracy and freedom of speech in Penang and Malaysia.

The Speakers' Square, located at the Esplanade field, is open on Wednesdays and Sundays from 6pm to 10pm. Up to four speakers will be allowed at a time, but they will be prohibited from using loud speakers.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who launched the square in the presence of NGO representatives, said the Speakers' Square represented the platform of democracy for all Malaysians, the aspirations to enjoy the right to freedom of expression and the hopes of all Malaysians for a civil society.

Among those present were former Bar Council president Sulaiman Abdullah and Datuk Anwar Fazal, founder of numerous NGOs in Penang.

"The opening of this Speakers' Square is a sign of the maturing of our democracy," Lim said. "This corner will enable the rakyat to have the opportunity to express their views and opinions freely while ensuring that their rights are being protected.

"Speakers' Square should be an avenue to allow the citizens and individuals to have gatherings and candlelight vigils, peaceful demonstrations, press conferences, various other forms of peaceful and artistic forms of expression and to demonstrate their citizens rights," he said.

"It is time for Penang to show the rest of Malaysia that the thrust of participatory democracy is alive and well in this state and it embraces the value of freedom and human rights," he added.

He said Penang's Pakatan Rakyat state government was based on 3Es, of empowering the people, enriching the rakyat and enabling the people.

"The Speakers' Square fulfils 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 assembly peacefully," he added.

He hoped Penangites would use the facility responsibly to demonstrate their views, exercise their rights by giving them voice to speak.

However, he cautioned them to be mindful that police could take action, as police have said they would not be able to provide legal immunity from prosecution.

"I wish to urge the police to exercise judicious discretion and allow views to be freely expressed," he added.

Lim said while the Speakers' Square may result in unfair criticisms, including of the state government he said he believed everyone was mature enough to listen to differing views and allow people to express their views freely.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng who launched the square said the Speakers Square represented the platform of democracy for all Malaysians, the aspirations to enjoy the right to freedom of expression and the hopes of all Malaysians for a civil society.

Among the representatives of non-governmental organisations (NGO) present were former Bar Council president Sulaiman Abdullah and the founder of numerous NGOs in Penang, Datuk Anwar Fazal.

"The opening of this Speakers Square is a sign of the maturing of our democracy. This corner will enable the rakyat to have the opportunity to express their views and opinions freely while ensuring that their rights are being protected," Lim said.

"Speakers Square should be an avenue to allow the citizens and individuals to have gatherings and candle vigil peaceful demonstrations, press conference, various other forms of peaceful and artistic form of expression and to demonstrate their citizens rights.

"It is time for Penang to show the rest of Malaysia that the thrust of participatory democracy is alive and well in this state and it embraces the value of freedom and human rights."

He said Penang's Pakatan Rakyat state government was based on 3Es: Empowering the people, enriching the rakyat and enabling the people.

"The Speakers Square 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 assembly peacefully," he added.

He hoped Penangites would use the facility responsibly to demonstrate their views, exercise their rights by giving them voice to speak.

However, he cautioned them to be mindful that police could take action as police have said they would not be able to provide legal immunity from prosecution.

"I wish to urge the police to exercise judicious discretion and allow views to be freely expressed," he added.

Lim said while the Speakers Square may result in unfair criticisms, including of the state government, he said he believed everyone was mature enough to listen to differing views and allow people to express their views freely.