Despite police presence at the Penang Speakers Square yesterday, those who spoke for the first time did not fear for their safety.

Among 60 people who turned, many were uniformed and plain clothes policemen, who were seen taking down notes and photographs.

penang speaker square 090510 crowd 02 But the five speakers who turned up were unfazed by the heavy police presence.

"The police was there doing their job but we do not feel intimidated by them," said founding committee member of the Speakers Square, Andre Loh.

"They were just doing their job but we feel they are a part of us; we mean it when we say that we look forward to this new situation where the police enforcement work together with the community," he added.

Among the speakers were Loh and former state executive councilor Toh Kin Woon.

The square was launched on May 4 by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng at the Penang Millenium Square, just opposite the Penang state legislative assembly.

 

Loh was speaking at a press conference called by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng at the Penang Development Corporation building today.

During the conference, Lim expressed his appreciation towards the NGO representatives who turned up to speak at the historic square.

He also expressed gratitude to the police for acting professionally yesterday.

"We want to create a space, oasis, so to speak where we can begin in Malaysia that freedom of expression can exist and in tandem with our nation's development programme," said Lim.

"Of course we understand concerns of police but like to record appreciation to the police; we would like to cooperate with the police," he added.

Guidelines to follow

Lim said to facilitate this effort, the state has a few guidelines for those who want to speak at the Square.

These include no usage of megaphones, speakers responsible for their own safety and security and that the state and local authority will not be responsible for any action taken against any speakers.

penang speaker square 090510 toh kin woon Meanwhile, Toh (right) , who was also present at the conference, said he was pleased to note that speakers can criticise the state government during their speech.

"This is an open attitude by the state government that must be commended," he told reporters at the same press event.

Toh, who left Gerakan at the height of the Permatang Pauh by election in 2008, acknowledged that there were limitations to freedom of expression.

"But I have great confidence in the Malaysian people, I am confident they will not say anything seditious to hurt the sensitivities of others," he said.

"Malaysians have been living side by side with each other for years and have always been tolerant and sensitive to each other," he added.