Kuala lumpur: The use of Parliament facilities, including the media centre, must comply with established application procedures to prevent misuse, particularly involving outsiders and partisan political activities, said Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul. He emphasized that Parliament belongs to all Members of Parliament (MPs) and they are entitled to use the facilities provided, but such use must be coordinated to ensure they are not abused.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tan Sri Johari Abdul stated, "I am entrusted to coordinate and lead as stipulated in the Constitution. The application procedures set for rooms or the media centre are meant to ensure there is no misuse." He further clarified that while Members of Parliament can use all facilities, outsiders who are not MPs are not permitted to do so.

Johari highlighted that the requirement to state the purpose of using the facilities is intended to ensure official amenities are used for public and government affairs. This measure is also aimed at preventing tensions among stakeholders in Parliament. He added, "That is why we impose the condition of providing information to us. What is it to be used for? If it is to express agreement or disagreement with the government, that is each person's right... so I myself have no power to prevent it."

However, Johari mentioned that announcements or political activities may be carried out outside the media centre or in other suitable areas, including MPs' rooms. In response to Datuk Wan Saifulruddin Wan Jan (PN-Tasek Gelugor) seeking clarification on the guidelines for the use of the media centre, Johari explained that the ruling is focused on the use of the media centre, while interviews conducted outside the media centre are not an issue.

The updated guidelines on the use of the Parliament media centre, issued on January 21, specify that the use of the Malaysia Parliament Media Centre is reserved exclusively for Members of Parliament and is not permitted for use by outsiders.