Two members of Parliament are not happy with the public equating the role of MPs to that of civil servants.

"MPs are not civil servants. Do not compare us with members of the civil service," Mohd Zaid Ibrahim (BN-Kota Baru) told the Dewan Rakyat today, adding that MPs should not be lumped into the same salary scale as government servants.

Participating in the debate on the Second Supplementary Supply Bills 2004, he said he welcomed the salary review for ministers and MPs, saying that the hike would "benefit the government".

"Apart from MPs, judges too should not be regarded as civil servants," Zaid said.

The outspoken MP also asked that the practice of democracy in the House be looked into and strengthened.

"It is not that we are being disrespectful but we have our own opinions, views and stand. For example, why were the MPs not consulted concerning the salary hike for ministers and MPs?" he asked, noting the democracy is not effective without consultation.

Wan Junaidi Jaafar (BN-Santubong) echoed Zaid's views that MPs and judges should not be regarded as civil servants.

"MPs are members of the legislative branch and judges are part of the judiciary. They should be highly respected by society," he said.

Junaidi also expressed disappointment with the generally "poor media coverage" of parliamentary proceedings.

"In today's Berita Harian , there were 10 pages on sports, but I did not see a segment on Parliament," he said.

"MPs put in a lot of hard work into carrying out research for the debate, but what is the use when the public are not aware of what goes on in the House?" he asked.

Salahudin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian) agreed with Junaidi and insisted that there should be a special broadcast of parliamentary sittings on all television channels so as to enable the public to know the issues being discussed.