No restriction on media coverage for Negeri Sembilan polls, says Fahmi

 Communications minister says media coverage of all parties contesting the Aug 1 election has been fair and balanced.

Pakatan Harapan communications director Fahmi Fadzil with Senaling candidate Hanis Alimin during an event in Felda Kepis, Kuala Pilah, today. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said the media has not been restricted from covering candidates in the Negeri Sembilan state election or ordered to limit their coverage.

A Buletin TV3 report quoted the government spokesman as saying media coverage of all parties contesting the Aug 1 election has been fair and balanced.

“The reports appear to be relatively balanced,” he said during an event in Felda Kepis, Kuala Pilah.

“On certain days, one side may receive slightly more coverage, and the next day it may be another side. But there have been no instructions or requests (to limit coverage).

“Media should not be prevented from reporting, and candidates should also be allowed to freely engage with the media.”

Fahmi said he had also received feedback from media practitioners about their difficulties in engaging with certain candidates during the campaign.

However, he said the issue appeared to stem from some candidates’ lack of understanding of the media’s role, rather than any official restrictions on coverage.

“Sometimes candidates may not be as familiar with or understand the role of the media. That is a different issue. It has nothing to do with restricting coverage,” said Fahmi, who is the Pakatan Harapan communications director.

Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday called on media organisations to provide equal coverage to all candidates contesting the election.

The deputy prime minister said he had come to understand that, in certain cases, candidates from a particular party were being blacked out. - FMT