The Parliament security has put up barricades at the lobby following an incident on Monday where Education Minister Maszlee Malik almost fell after tripping on a camera cable while being hounded by reporters.

The barricades, which are linked with tapes, have been placed where parliamentarians exit from the Dewan Rakyat, to ensure they have a safe passage out.

According to deputy speaker Nga Kor Ming, while the House is committed to being media-friendly, the safety of lawmakers should also be prioritised.

"This (was put up) after the education minister almost fell by tripping on a cable. We want to be media friendly, that's why we have allocated the main lobby for reporters to doorstop lawmakers to ask questions.

"(But) We must prioritise safety to prevent untoward incidents.

"We must not also forget that we have a 93-year-old prime minister. We have the utmost care for his safety, and (what) if some pushes (him) by accident [...] we have to take care," Nga told reporters at the Parliament lobby today.

The deputy speaker added that the barricades may be removed later if the situation improves.

"It's temporary, we will monitor the situation whether there is any chaos or untoward incidents," Nga (photo) said.

Last Monday, Maszlee almost fell after tripping on a camera cable, while answering reporters' questions on Universiti Malaya's recent hike in tuition fees.

Those around him held him up to prevent the fall.

"Looks like I'll need to look after my safety too," the Simpang Renggam MP had quipped.

Complaints received

According to Nga, he had also received complaints from ministers about being mobbed by journalists in the Parliament lobby.

"The majority of those who complain are the ministers, as the MPs hardly get doorstopped.

"We are not talking about one media (personnel), but dozens of them."

Meanwhile, several MPs met by Malaysiakini welcomed the setting up of the cordon.

Damansara MP Tony Pua lauded the security's move to ensure the safety of parliamentarians when exiting the dewan.

"I think it is okay, no one (should be) waiting at the exit point. If it's always congested, it's hard to go out,' he said.

Sepang MP Hanipa Maidin echoed Pua's remark.

"Personally, I don't mind, with or without (the barricades). If it's in the name of safety, then no problem.

"No one mobs me and I use this (walking) cane," he quipped.