Politicians from across the divide cried foul today after access to Twitter and Facebook was disabled by Parliament building’s network administrator.

Attempts to access both popular websites through Parliament’s wi-fi networks on a internet browser software would be met by a note, stating that access was not granted because of “social networking elements”.

The barring of access to both websites lasted until 1pm, prompting MPs to use their smartphones to circumvent the blockage.

Among others, Kota Belud MP Abdul Rahman Dahlan (Umno) expressed outrage in a Twitter post, complaining that the blockage had disrespected the MPs.

“Restricting access to Facebook and Twitter via Parliament’s wi-fi: What is this? Are they equating Parliament with other government agencies?” wrote Abdul Rahman.

Similarly, Sedang MP Teo Nie Ching (DAP) and Batu MP Tian Chua (PKR), both who tweet regularly, expressed dismay on Twitter.

‘Preventing congestion’

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz when approached in the Parliament lobby said he was unaware of the matter.

“I don’t know about it know. I’ll check,” said Nazri, who is both de facto law minister and minister in charge of parliamentary affairs.

At about 1.30pm, Abdul Rahman posted another tweet, claiming that the access to the two websites have been restored.

“Good. Parliament wi-fi can now access Facebook/Twitter. The block only during Agong’s speech to prevent congestion,” he wrote.

“Yes. Nazri explained it was only to prevent congestion. Only a few hours,” he tweeted subsequently.

Attempts to contact Dewan Rakyat secretary Roosme Hamzah for comments was futile.

Today was the first sitting of the Dewan Rakyat this year and it began with a speech by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.