Backbenchers Club chairperson Shahrir Samad talks about how these vested interests lead to lopsided media coverage. In this interview, the veteran politician also fields questions on corruption and money politics.

Malaysiakini: You were not happy with the frontbenchers' performance lately.

Shahrir: The real reason is that we would like parliamentary replies to be substantive and comprehensive. It doesn't matter whether the minister or deputy minister attends. What I noticed is that the issues raised on the last day during (the debate on the) motion to thank the Royal address were not replied to by at least two ministries. I deliberately chose to speak at 6.30pm on the (debate's) last day, the time when the media was not there. It's not fair for members of Parliament who spoke on the last day to not get replies or even be addressed. It's not so much about the minister being present although generally we think this will help, (but) when the minister is present then civil servants (who prepare the brief for the ministers) will do their best, do more to make sure the minister's (replies) are not baseless.