I wonder why the government is dead set against live telecasts of parliamentary sittings. Maybe the powers-that-be are afraid that their own weaknesses will be apparent when there are live telecast of parliament sittings.

The people would probably abandon certain political parties or figures in droves if they can see with their own eyes how their elected representatives perform (or lack thereof) in the very place they were elected to be.

Cost as a factor is only a lame excuse. Be it taxpayers money or the government's money, if there is demand, there will be advertising revenue.

At the end of the day, what matters is whether our elected representatives have the guts to let their true colours be shown over air without 'make-up' or 'beautification'.

In live telecasts, a blunder will be known nationwide and if parliamentarians are not able to prove their mettle, it will be very glaring indeed if the rakyat are watching.

If our information minister is really concerned about costs, then it makes me wonder if these live telecasts would cost more than all the posters, advertisements and other 'promotions' used during the recent election period? If we can spend all this money to print and throw them away after a week or so, where is the justifications that live parliamentary sittings cost too much?

Really, are we really going to stay at 'first-world infrastructure with third-world mentality' forever? Are we afraid to let the rakyat see the newly refurbished parliament? That the rakyat will jump to some other conclusion after seeing the inside of our parliament rather than the sessions themselves?

If costs really are a concern to government-owned TV stations, maybe we can ask the private stations if they are keen on telecasting the parliamentary sittings? Provide them with another wavelength band to use for this telecast maybe? Or why not give the telecast rights to a subscription-based operator? If they see no money in it, they will not want it, right?

There is nothing wrong in considering parliamentary live telecasts as community service to the rakyat. When it is a community service, then cost shouldn't be a big concern.

I might not watch a parliament sitting if it is telecast live, but at least I know it is there and that I can watch it if I want to. Now, that is what is called service, to be around when needed - unlike some services which are available only once every five years.