Negotiate with relevant authorities for equal air time, EC chief tells parties

 

MALACCA POLLS | The Election Commission says those seeking equal airtime in the media will have to discuss with the relevant authorities which control those apparatus.

EC chief Abdul Ghani Salleh said this in response to a question about the opposition complaining that they will be at a disadvantage due to the strict standard operating procedures (SOP) due to Covid-19.

“In terms of the media, the parties involved will need to negotiate.

“The EC cannot interfere in this matter. It is up to those (authorities) involved to give airtime to them,” he told a press conference in Ayer Keroh today.

Under the current SOP, gatherings and door-to-door campaigning is banned.

Campaigners will have to largely rely on mobile campaigning using loudspeakers on vehicles and pamphlets on top of social media.

The opposition previously called on the EC to emulate Singapore’s model during its election last year where it gave all candidates time on television to make their pitches.

The public broadcast system is under the control of the Communications and Multimedia Ministry.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Annuar Musa has not responded to calls for equal airtime for the Malacca polls despite it being raised in Parliament.

Campaigning for the Malacca polls starts today and voting will take place on Nov 20. - Mkini