The Freedom Of Speech Assalamualaikum & a very good morning, Id like to wish to Teacher Ng Yi Ling & my beloved classmates.

Today Id like to give a talk on the freedom of speech. We, the youth of today, what with Facebook, Twitter, Youtube & all those other mediums of expression on the internet, seem to be unable to survive our teenage years if we didnt have the freedom of speech. The freedom of speech is a right which has been granted to every human on this planet. Having the freedom of speech, means you have the right to express your views towards something. As for the means of this expression, it can be in any form of art, or through the social media, or any other way for the world to hear your voice.However, there is a limit to this freedom of speech. This is because other rights exist to. The right to dignity, honour and respect. If our use of the freedom of speech violates anothers rights, then the government may punish us in any way they deem fair. For example in the case of Siti Maznah Hassan in her controversial video of a Raya with dogs , she, a Muslim, potrayed herself performing ablution, or wudhu on the dogs during hari raya, along with the raya takbir as background music throughout the whole video. Her excuse was that she was showing the world we Malaysians live harmoniously regardless our species, colour and origin. Though all she wanted was to her express her views, different people perceive things differently, and most Muslims perceived the video as bringing disgrace upon Islam which made JAKIM take legal action upon her. The point here is, we, especially as teenagers with the world at our fingertips, should be careful how we express ourselves. We should think twice before posting something for the world to see. Even on Twitter or Facebook, or in our daily lives, we must make sure that what we say, do or express in any way, does not hurt the people around us. Our friends, classmates, teachers, they all have a right to preserve their pride. Do not simply criticize them for being who they are and respect their views. Its the freedom of speech, not the freedom of hatred. Despite what Ive said, if used wisely, the freedom of speech makes this world a better place. Mere slaves have the equal right as a president to voice out their opinions. Nelson Mandela, was put in prison, voicing his races right to respect in Africa. Or lately in Malaysia, through the Letter To The PM Contest where citizens voiced out anything theyd like to improve in their neighbourhood. Even through blogs & social media, many have been known to bring positive impacts throughout the world by optimistically using this right. So, we, especially as teenagers of this era of modern technology, should be careful when using our freedom of speech to express our unique, youthful opinions. Never forget that not everyone shares the same view on something & be careful not to hurt someones pride or feelings. Thats it from me. Lets keep on being the outspoken teens we are. Thank you.