'Watching TV, it appears like PN not contesting in Malacca' - Muhyiddin

 

PN chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin has lamented the limited access given to his coalition to campaign in the Malacca polls, saying it appeared as if they were not contesting in the state election.

He said this in nudging Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob's government to give media access to parties contesting in the Malacca polls amid strict rules against Covid-19 that have restricted the candidates' movements.

The state media is currently by Umno through its Ketereh MP Annuar Musa, who is the communications and multimedia minister.

"I appeal for our candidates to be given space to introduce themselves on television.

"Yesterday, when I watched television, it appeared as if no other parties were contesting. Only BN, and to some extent, Harapan. No PN at all," Muhyiddin said in an online address for the Malacca polls that was aired on Facebook last night.

The former prime minister said the situation did not reflect fair and equal airtime for PN candidates.

"I ask that the prime minister, the information minister (communications and multimedia) Annuar Musa and the television stations, as well as the media, to be fair so that during this pandemic we still have the space and opportunity to introduce our party and candidates who are contesting," he said.

'Reconsider blanket ban on face-to-face campaigning'

Muhyiddin also called on the government to reconsider the blanket ban on face-to-face campaigning, stressing that candidates should be allowed to meet voters.

"Our candidates should be given the freedom to go to the ground.

"Because, if our candidates do not go down to the ground to meet with voters, it gives a negative picture that we are arrogant and are not prepared to meet with the voters.

"The folks in the villages hope to meet us but are faced with restrictions. Some leeway should be given to candidates," he said.

Pakatan Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim

Yesterday, Pakatan Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim had also mooted a live debate among the chief ministerial candidates of the three major coalitions contesting in the Malacca polls, namely BN, PN and Harapan.

Annuar had said the government was considering giving election candidates access to the state media, including television and radio.

“I understand their problems and I accept the fact that some said 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 (RTM) on the possibility of giving equal slots to all candidates. I will make the announcement on the matter in a day or two,” Annuar had said. - Mkini