The Information Ministry today clarified that the service counter set up at the Dewan Rakyat press room was to complement the work of Parliament public relations officials in assisting journalists.

During a visit to the room this morning, the ministry's director-general Mohamad Salleh Rafie ( pic ) said the ministry was merely extending help to those reporting on parliamentary proceedings.

Yesterday, malaysiakini reported about journalists on the Parliament beat being greeted with the surprise 'service counter' in the press room on the first day of the current Dewan Rakyat meeting.

Some were irked as the counter dubbed the 'mini Information Ministry' blocked the passage to their work stations, forcing them to take a longer route.

The journalists were also dismayed that the counter occupied the spot where they had usually unwound. Now in place of the sofas, were a photocopy machine and two desks.

Helping gov't ministries

Mohamad Salleh apologised for the inconvenience and added that they are willing to hear suggestions on how to improve their services.

"We feel we should help the press in areas where the Parliament public relations officers are unable to help," he told journalists when asked why the counter was there.

At present, the counter is the distribution centre for written parliamentary replies and notices. Interviews can be arranged here as well.

However, when asked, Mohamad Salleh said opposition parliamentarians were not included in the scope of their service since the main purpose was to facilitate the follow of information between the government and the media.

"We are helping the government ministries," he said.