MPs no longer allowed to stream Parliament speeches live, says Speaker

KUALA LUMPUR: MPs will not be allowed to live-stream their speeches in Parliament using their own devices beginning Monday (Oct 16), says Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.

Johari said that Standing Order 35(1) requires MPs to direct their speeches to the Speaker chairing the session.

“Looking at their devices isn’t abiding by the said Standing Orders. With this, MPs are no longer allowed to place any devices to conduct live streaming in the House,” said Johari in Parliament on Monday (Oct 16).

“Speeches of MPs can be watched live through Parliament’s official YouTube account and other social media channels. I hope MPs will cooperate on this matter,” he added.

Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) then stood up and said Johari’s ruling was not logical.

“We live in an era where the media is sophisticated, I feel that the House has to move towards that direction, and not backwards. I hope this ruling can be looked into again,” said Kiandee.

Johari, in response, said any dissatisfaction can be brought up to the Parliamentary committee.

“Write to the committee and we will make changes. No problem. Live streaming is good, but we have RTM and YouTube live, where you can pick up from there,” said Johari.

Johari said the moment an MP speaks to an audience via live-stream, they are no longer concentrating on Parliamentary proceedings.

“This is very bad. In this House, MPs have to prioritise the people,” said Johari.

Kiandee then urged Johari to take into consideration all views and it is too extreme to make a ruling to ban live streaming devices during parliamentary proceedings.

“I want to proceed, if you don’t agree, we can discuss this later outside,” said Johari in response.

The ongoing Parliament session will run until Nov 30.