Dewan Rakyat Speaker Bans MPs From Using Own Devices to Livestream Speeches in Parliament

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has today reprimanded Members of Parliament (MPs) for livestreaming their speeches using their own devices in Parliament.

Stressing that looking at their smartphones isn’t abiding by Standing Order 35(1), Johari then announced that all MPs are not allowed to livestream their speeches in Parliament moving forward.

For reference, Standing Order 35(1) requires MPs to direct their speeches to the Speaker chairing the session. The Dewan Rakyat Speaker asserted,

“Looking at your devices isn’t abiding by the said Standing Order. With this, MPs are no longer allowed to place any devices to conduct live streaming in the House.”

Johari added that MPs’ speeches can be watched live via Parliament’s official YouTube account and other social media channels. Hence, he hoped for cooperation from all MPs on the matter.

After the announcement, Beluran MP Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee stood up and argued that the ruling was not logical, saying that in this era of sophisticated media, the House should move forward and not backwards.

In response, the Dewan Rakyat Speaker said,

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

Johari further stressed that when an MP speaks to an audience via livestream, they are no longer concentrating on proceedings. Dubbing this as “very bad”, the Dewan Rakyat Speaker urged MPs to prioritise the people.

So, what do you guys the directive by Johari? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

Also read: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Mulls Posting MPs’ Attendance on Parliament Site