KUALA LUMPUR: Members of parliament (MP) are no longer allowed to carry out live-stream broadcasts on social media platforms when the Lower House is in session, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul said this was in line with Standing Order 35(1), which stipulates that MPs should direct their speech to the Speaker or the chairperson.
"There has been an increasing trend recently among the MPs who place their devices on their desks to conduct live streams on social media (platforms) when the House is in session.
"However, such action does not comply with the Standing Order 35(1) of the Dewan Rakyat as the MPs speak without directing their speech to the chairperson and only looking at their devices.
"Hence, I hereby announce that the honourable members are no longer allowed to live-stream in the House," he said when opening the Dewan Rakyat session, this morning.
Johari added that the major reason for the decision was contributed by the lack of attention given by the MPs to the House.
"I sit up here, I observe and I can see that some of you will adjust your devices for half an hour and the moment you speak, your attention is diverted to your audience (in the live stream) and not to the discussion (which is being debated) in the House.
"(And) this is very bad, hence, this is why I urge you to prioritise solving the people's issue.
"You can also use and modify the live clips we have through RTM live and our YouTube channel as you wish."
However, Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) said such a decision was unreasonable as parliament should be aligned with current technology, which is more sophisticated.
Citing Standing Order 41 which stipulates that no member shall not read newspapers when debating, Kiandee said the rule was also considered redundant as everyone reads on their devices in this current era.
"I believe that the reason has been simplified to prevent MPs from using their devices.
"Hence, it is unreasonable if we use Standing Order 35(1) as we are in an era of sophisticated media, (and) we should be moving in that direction and not backwards.
"Following this, I hope that you (Speaker) can reconsider the decision to elevate the dignity of parliament by using more sophisticated tools," said the former deputy speaker.
Johari, however, told Kiandee to write to the parliamentary committee should there be any dissatisfaction over the decision made.
"We have a parliamentary committee so write to them if there is anything that you are not satisfied with, there should be no problem.
"These rules are not created by me but were collectively made through the committee.
"Hence, I welcome all views through a committee discussion if you feel there should be a change."