My first ever BLOG !

Hello! This is my first BLOG.

BLOG ??? What does it mean? I couldn’t find in any dictionary. Having searched through Wikipedia, it came to my knowledge that BLOG is a new invented technology word, it is a portmanteau of web log. It is used a forum for people to make comments or news, and it has even been used as an online diary. ( since when diary has become so open? I remember diary is suppose to be something which is secretive, that you write your secret into it, and sometimes add on a little pad lock to prevent unauthorised “invasion” into your secret. )

I have seen quite a number of blogs posted by my friends, some were very well-written. To me, blog has become a new culture that has become part and parcel of modern people’s life, irregardless of age. (it’s true, I have seen a blog written by a 60 years old man). Human being do not like to be alone, they want their voice to be heard. In Europe, Article 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights provides that everyone has the right to freedom of expression in the sense that everyone is entitled to hold opinions and to receive and to impart information and ideas without interference by anybody especially the public authority. United Kingdom as part of the European Union, has since incorporated this Article and therefore the Section 12 of the Human Rights Act 1998 provides for the similar right to freedom of expression.

In Malaysia, such right is enshrined in our Article 10 of the Federal Constitution. I believe it was enacted in accordance to the Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Despite we have such freedom, it is heavily caveated and subject to other laws such as the Sedition Act, the Official Secrets Act, the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) and the Communications and Multimedia Act. Having said all these, right to freedom of expression is not an absolute right. It is true that everyone is entitled to his / her own freedom of expression. It must, however, not be abused. It must be used appropriately. Yes, blogging allows you to say whatever you want, but please be careful with whatever statement you make.

I would like to share the following statement:
“Laws alone cannot secure freedom of expression; in order that every man (and woman) present his (or her) views without penalty there must be spirit of tolerance in the entire population.” - Albert Einstein

So, blog it but with caution!

My main purpose to start a blog is to post materials about the Malaysian laws, which is intended to promote the awareness of your rights under the Malaysian law. Besides, it is also meant to be a forum for me to express my opinion on the various issues of law.

I will constantly update my blog if I have any idea or opinion to share with you all. Of course, the copyright shall subsist in my works and you are not allowed to copy without getting my permission.

© 2008 Edwin Lee