Media Statement by Dr. Tan Seng Giaw in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, 2^nd May 2008: 

It is correct to continue with the direct telecast

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw calls on the Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek to be fair regarding the direct telecast of the parliamentary session and to get his fact right.

On 8.3.2008, the people spoke out for transparency and accountability. On 30.4.2008, there was a direct telecast of the question time for only 30 minutes. Because a few of both the Opposition members and the Backbenchers did not follow the Standing Order, it was chaos. The Information Minister had no patience, threatening to stop the direct telecast. He apologized on 1.5.2008 for agreeing to the telecast, blaming a few Opposition members. Don't forget, a daily parliamentary session is from 10 am to 5.30 pm.

Today, the Cabinet agrees to continue the telecast for a short while. We do not know how short it will be. It is correct to continue. Let members of parliament get used to the new thing.

Ahmad Shabery Cheek should get the fact right. He should not be telling the world that there was only one question asked in the one and half hours of the question time on 30.4.2008. Three questions were asked. We expected more. Perhaps, over ten. I repeat: a few members of both sides of the House did not adhere to the Standing Order. The Speaker must not be biased.

The minister should be fair to both sides of the House. After all, he is a minister for all Malaysians..

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* Dr. Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong