ADUN SPEAKS | I am deeply disappointed with Parliament’s decision to restrict the media’s coverage of the upcoming parliamentary sessions from Nov 2 to Dec 23 to merely 15 media agencies.

In the announcement issued by Parliament’s corporate communications unit, many media agencies will be excluded from covering the upcoming sitting, particularly those that operate online exclusively such as Malaysiakini, Malay Mail, FMT and so on. The Covid-19 pandemic is purportedly stated by the Parliament administrators as the main reason behind the decision.

Being elected by the rakyat under the spirit of “one person, one vote”, lawmakers are given the mandate to debate about policies, enact laws and oversee government affairs in Parliament.

All lawmakers must therefore be constantly checked and held accountable to ensure that they truly represent the electorates who give them the mandate...