Media's job is to ask questions, not parrot statements - Geramm to EC

 

GE15 | Journalists' rights group Geramm has reminded the Election Commission (EC) that journalists are there at press conferences to ask questions, not simply repeat what they are told.

"The media is not a parrot. The media's job is to ask questions, not just listen to one-way statements and report according to the desire of those conducting the event.

"Entering the second week of campaigning for GE15, Geramm has received complaints about the EC press conference session held in Putrajaya.

"Especially that no space was given to the media present to ask and get further clarification from the EC management regarding matters related to the GE15 process," said Geramm in a statement today.

The group said it understood that the EC has now held two press conference sessions, first to announce the important dates and then to confirm the number of candidates competing.

"It should be noted that the EC has an important role as a source of official information about the election process, while the media is tasked with channelling accurate information.

"The EC's failure or refusal to open up space for the media to seek further clarification will have the potential to cause confusion among the public, as well as weaken the democratic system," said Geramm.

The group pointed out that among other things, the EC has not yet given any explanation regarding the voting procedure for any individual confirmed positive for Covid-19, following a statement from the Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

"There is no need to invite the media to attend physically if the EC refuses to entertain any questions.

"Simply sending a written statement or holding a live online session will save more time for all parties," it added while reminding the EC management that it can also take proactive steps to list questions from the media or issues raised by voters. - Mkini