The decision by the Perak State Secretary to bar and selectively allow certain media organisations to cover the Perak State Assembly sitting is most uncalled for.

State Legislative Assembly is the highest body to formulate laws and policies for the people in every state. It’s unwise to restrict the media from reporting the proceeding.

The State Secretary’s decision is denying the people’s rights to be informed of the laws and policies put forth by their government in the Assembly. In this crucial and critical moment of the state, it’s even more vital for the people to be well informed of the proceeding and development taking place in the Assembly.

The State Secretary’s decision is usurping the authority of the State Assembly. Provisions in the Standing Orders of State Assemblies do not give the State Secretary, who is an ex-officio, the authority to decide on the covering of the proceeding by the media.

I call on the State Government to instruct the State Secretary to lift the restriction.