Statement Released by Dong Zong

September 10, 2020

Dong Zong backs Lee Tian Lin’s Freedom of Speech

Public Power Intervention in the Freedom of Speech Opposed

Notwithstanding several NGOs alleged Penang Island and Seberang Perai Chinese School Boards Federation President Lee Tian Lin of incitement for his comments to retain the status of four controlled secondary schools in Penang state, Dong Zong strongly backs president Lee and opposes the police’s exercise of public power towards individual freedom of speech too readily aiming for a chilling effect.

Under the Constitution, each and every subject is endowed with the freedom of speech on any public issue, albeit the opinion needs to be rationally and scientifically based. The enrollment system of the four controlled secondary schools in Penang state is a public issue and thus correlates with common interest. As such, the collection of opinions initiated by the Penang Island and Seberang Perai Chinese School Boards Federation is one of view generation on educational issue for the state education bureau and not incitement, discrimination or hatred as alleged.  With this understanding, we herewith opine the intervention of public power exercising on the comments of individual and organisation is an intent to suppress for obedience.

The freedom of speech provides leeway and lets the general public understand the implementation of policy for the conveyance of public will. Dong Zong believes, a mature democratic society calls for openness, respect as well as compassion of dissent and it encourages rational dialogues and exchanges. In the face of disagreement, rational communication and dialogue verily work beyond individual limitations which actually helps democratic progress and makes the society more civilised and developed.