The petition, which started yesterday, was signed by 69 reporters, cameramen and photographers from various mainstream and online agencies.
“With all due respect to your ruling and authority, we note that we are unable to understand the claim that we pose a security threat and cause discomfort among Members of Parliament.
“We wish to note that the ruling effectively curtails movement in Parliament and stops many of us from carrying out our jobs effectively.
“We apologise for any shortcoming due to the conduct of any of our colleagues, and rest assured we would be thankful if we are granted access to the lobby, so long as we are able to gain access to lawmakers and hold them accountable,” stated the petition.
Journalists hoped they would receive a reply to the petition by Tuesday evening.
The petition was received by Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia’s special officer, Lee Chun Boon.
On March 21, journalists covering proceedings in the Dewan Rakyat were shocked when Pandikar announced the ruling.
He said journalists would only be allowed to cover sittings from the media centre located a floor below where the MPs hold their discussions.
In making the ruling, Pandikar had said that the lawmakers’ security was a cause for concern and the gathering of the media in the lobby was like a “picnic”.
He also said the presence of journalists and videographers in large numbers at the lobby, seeking comments from MPs, made them and himself uncomfortable and that the security of all was in question.
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) had also condemned the Dewan Rakyat Speaker’s ban on journalists at the lobby of Parliament.
NUJ president Mohd Taufek Razak had slammed the ruling stating that the speaker’s ban was akin to obstructing journalists from carrying out their duties and obtaining direct access to parliament proceedings.
NUJ condemned such restrictions saying it showed that Malaysia did not practise media freedom.
NUJ said this incident should not have happened in Parliament, which is the symbol of democracy, and said the ban may be considered as a crackdown on journalists from accessing information worthy of news.