Should media return to Perak assembly hall for coverage?

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Former Perak Speaker Advocates for Media's Return to Assembly Hall for Coverage

V. Sivakumar, the former Speaker of the Perak State Legislative Assembly, has called for the new Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration to permit media access back into the main assembly hall for future sittings. The Batu Gajah Member of Parliament, who previously served as Speaker from 2008 to 2009, believes this move is crucial for upholding press freedom and enabling journalists to provide balanced and accurate reporting on the state assembly's proceedings. This call comes as members of the press have been barred from the main assembly hall since 2009, a situation Sivakumar aims to rectify.
Historical Precedent for Media Access

Prior to 2009, media representatives were permitted to be present within the assembly hall, allowing for direct observation of proceedings. This practice changed in 2009 following a political shift where power transitioned from Pakatan Rakyat to Barisan Nasional, a change precipitated by the resignation of three Pakatan Rakyat assemblymen. Subsequently, media personnel were relocated to a gallery situated one floor above the main hall, with their view of the proceedings mediated through glass windows and television screens, though audio was accessible via a public-address system.
Rationale for Transparency and Fair Coverage

Sivakumar's advocacy stems from a conviction that the state assembly must operate with a high degree of transparency. He asserts that allowing the media back into the hall would facilitate comprehensive coverage of discussions and debates from all political perspectives. This, in turn, would ensure that the public is better informed about the activities and decisions made within the state legislative body, thereby strengthening the principle of press freedom.
Proposed Action by Former Speaker

The former Speaker intends to formally raise this issue with the incoming Pakatan Harapan government and the yet-to-be-appointed Speaker of the Perak State Legislative Assembly. He plans to discuss the practical arrangements for readmitting the press into the hall, emphasizing that there should be no reason to withhold information from the public. Sivakumar believes that providing a suitable space for media coverage is essential for the public's right to know what transpires in their state assembly.

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Should media return to Perak assembly hall for coverage?

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