It can strengthen the democratic system of government or it can erode the confidence of our people in our system of government,

The right to free speech is guaranteed by the Constitution. Of course, the state has the right to regulate but an enforcement of an absolute no-permit, no-rally prohibition is unconstitutional,

only instigated state violence on otherwise peaceful religious marches and political rallies.

I would encourage those who are affected by this to go to the Supreme Court and question this absolute prohibition, in effect, of 'no permit-no rally' because this goes beyond reasonable restraint for common good,

The bill which I filed along with 10 other senators last month, will help cushion the impact of the e-VAT law on power consumers, especially the common households. I believe ordinary consumers should be spared from the negative effects of higher electricity bills,

On the basis of public statements and my consultations with my colleagues, I cannot see 18 senators voting to propose amendments to the Constitution through a constituent assembly,