Journalists' Plight Brought Up In Parliament

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- The comfort and needs of journalists and cameramen on duty at Parliament House received the attention of members of the august house Thursday. Dr Marcus Mojigoh has proposed that there should be better seating design so that reporters were provided with ample electrical plug points to charge their laptops. "Media equipment are now scattered on the floor. They should be provided with tables to place their laptops, large screens and plug points for their convenience. "They are also humans and need a place to sit on as they are now seen sitting on the floor and along the sides," he said when debating on the Supply Bill 2012 at committee stage for the Ministry of Public Works at the Lower House of Parliament Thursday. Dr Marcus asked the Public Works Department to take note of the situation. Datuk Halimah Mohd Sadique who concurred with Dr Marcus said attention should be given to the media immediately. "I passed by the connecting bridge between the old and new building and, they were sitting along the side without chairs... the situation was the same for heads of departments who were waiting for their minister's turn during question time. She hoped the authority would look into the needs of all groups whether they were civil servants or media practitioners who came to Parliament to carry out their duties. Bung Moktar Radin said the view should be welcomed by all. "Officers and journalists could not carry out their duties well if they were not in a conducive environment.. I hope the new Parliament would have good plans for all parties," he said. A check revealed that journalists and cameramen crowded in the lobby area of the Lower House of Parliament which was narrow and many had to come early to get a seat. The house will sit again on Monday. -- BERNAMA