Opposition lawmakers highlight problems with parliament renovations

KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition lawmakers has expressed dissatisfaction over recent renovations in parliament which has made it difficult for lawmakers to hold press conferences.
Commenting on the location of the media room, located a floor below and behind the Dewan Rakyat, Raja Kamarul Bahrin (Amanah- Kuala Terengganu) said this was probably done to make it difficult for opposition leaders to meet the media.
"Previously in the old building, the media were given a cramped space to do their work. Today, it is much more bigger and comfortable but what is the point when it is far away.
"The media are scattered, it is hard for us to deliver our message. I feel like this is a subtle approach from the government to limit the access of opposition MPs to the media and vice versa," he said during a joint press conference held by the opposition at the media room here.
Sim Tze Tzin (PKR-Bayan Baru) urged Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia to look into the matter as the latter had previously said Malaysia's Parliament should be be world class.
He also urged Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of parliamentary affairs Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said to organise a dialogue session with the media to resolve these issues.
"In the United States, they have a congressional press corps where journalist and congressmen meet. We need to have a parliament press corps too, so such issues can be resolved and the media can work better and more efficiently," Sim said.
Teresa Kok (DAP-Seputeh) expressed similar concerns about the location of the media room, pointing out that the media will have a hard time to reach lawmakers.
"If anything happened in the Dewan, by the time you run from this room to the lobby, the MP may have already left.
"It is inconvenient for media practitioners as well as MPs who might want to address the media after a debate," she said.