Govt considering allowing Melaka candidates to campaign on official media outlets

The government is considering giving slots to Melaka state election candidates including the opposition to campaign through its official television and radio channels.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Annuar Musa said the government understands the difficulties faced by all political parties especially new candidates of campaigning in the new normal.

“I understand their problems and I accept the fact that some say they are handicapped, especially the new candidates.

“Even though political parties have introduced new campaign methods, there is a need to let them appear on television networks.

“So we will be holding discussions with Radio Televisyen Malaysia on the possibility of giving equal slots to all candidates. I will make the announcement on the matter in a day or two,” he said at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

He was commenting on a request by Pakatan Harapan (PH) for all contesting parties in the Melaka election to be given slots to campaign in official government media.

On Monday, the PH Communications, Digital and Multimedia Committee requested that each party be given at least 30 minutes to speak over TV1, TV2 and Bernama TV every night as well as 60 minutes on Melaka FM and Bernama Radio daily.

This followed the imposition of strict SOPs by the Election Commission barring ceramahs, rallies and house-to-house visits.

Candidates have instead been urged to use television, newspapers and social media, and to disseminate messages using loud hailers on vehicles to deliver their manifesto and campaign messages.