KUALA LUMPUR: Members of Parliament (MPs) are now prohibited from conducting live-streamed broadcasts on social media platforms while the august House is in session.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul said the decision is in accordance with Standing Order 35(1), which specifies that MPs should direct their speech to the Speaker or the chairperson.
He expressed concern about the increasing trend of MPs placing their devices on their desks to live-stream when the House is in session.
He pointed out that such action does not comply with the established parliamentary rule, as MPs speak without addressing the chairperson and instead focus on their devices.
“Hence, I hereby announce that the honourable members are no longer allowed to live-stream in the House,” he said at the opening of the Dewan Rakyat session today(Oct 16).
One of the main reasons cited for this decision was the distraction caused by MPs not paying attention to the discussions in the House.
Johari noted instances where MPs would spend a significant amount of time adjusting their devices and diverting their attention to their live-stream audiences rather than the ongoing debates in 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,” he explained.
In response to this decision, Beluran MP Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee argued that it is unreasonable to restrict MPs in this manner.
He suggested that parliament should embrace current technology, given its sophistication.
Kiandee cited Standing Order 41, which prohibits MPs from reading newspapers during debates, as another outdated rule, highlighting that in the digital age, most individuals read on their devices.
“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 then advised Kiandee and others with concerns to communicate through the parliamentary committee if they are dissatisfied with the decision.
He clarified that the rules were collectively established through the committee and that any proposed changes could be discussed through this channel.
“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 were 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.”
