Deputy speaker says media ban at Malacca state assembly 'unprecedented'

CORONAVIRUS | Malacca state assembly deputy speaker Wong Fort Pin said the media ban at today's sitting was unprecedented.

The one-day sitting today is the first under the new Perikatan Nasional-led Malacca government.

All eyes are on the sitting today as the new PN government will seek to assert control on the state assembly.

House speaker Omar Jaafar and Wong are from Harapan even though PN now commands a majority in the state assembly.

"Why is there a need to ban the media? Whose idea is it? This reflects badly upon the one who ordered it.

"The media plays a vital role in democracy... unprecedented!" he said.

State assembly officials cited the Covid-19 pandemic for the media ban and only an in-house team from the state Chief Minister's Department will be allowed to shoot the sitting.

However, the Chief Minister's Office later negotiated to allow only government press agencies to cover the sitting.

However, the sitting was short-lived as it lasted for barely 30 minutes.

The house descended into pandemonium as PN representatives protested against Omar's decision to reject a motion to remove him as the House speaker.

A shouting match ensued and Omar eventually adjourned the sitting. - Mkini