Shahidan: Outsiders shouldn't disturb Parliament

Shahidan Kassim, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, has outlined an immediate priority for himself in overseeing parliamentary affairs - to ensure that “outsiders” do not "disturb" Parliament.

"(Other than MPs who need to execute their duties), other parties shouldn't be using the place. I have heard that sometimes other parties use (the facilities but) that should not happen,” Shahidan told a press conference in Parliament House today.

"Press conferences are held in Parliament and this should be for MPs, not NGOs. Some NGO (members) have also become MPs, so they can use (the place)."

Shahidan (right), who formally took over duties from Mohd Abdul Nazri Aziz today, also said he will also ensure that the entrance to Parliament remains unobstructed.

A motion will be tabled in Parliament on these matters when the new session convenes later this month.

The move to limit the use of parliamentary facilities comes despite the opposition's call for reforms, including providing research assistants to all MPs.

Asked about a planned ‘Occupy Parliament’ protest by student activists on June 24, Shahidan said he has yet to receive information on this, but said such activities should not be held near Parliament.

"That is not allowed. Parliament's entrance should not be disturbed," said Shahidan, who is now also in charge of the National Security Council and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.

'Pakatan politicised MPs' benefits'

At the press conference earlier, Nazri said any decision to increase the benefits of MPs, including research assistants, would be decided by the House committee.

However, Nazri (right in photo) cited a previous bad experience where he claimed the opposition's representative in the committee had agreed that the allowances of the MPs be increased, but later politicised the matter when it was announced.

"(Opposition leader) Anwar Ibrahim pulled a fast one on us when we decided on an increment of the MPs' allowances, when in fact he had a member on the committee agreeing to it.

"But this man later played politics and said we should take care of the needs of the people instead, so we decided to stop it immediately as he tried to gain political mileage.

"This man cheated us and backstabbed us before. If there is to be an increment this time, there must be a written agreement," Nazri said.