JOHOR BARU – The government is willing to allow candidates contesting in the Johor election, including those from the opposition, to use the channels provided by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) as a medium to introduce themselves.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa said the initiative aimed at complementing a mature democratic process.
“Actually, they can, including the opposition, as long as it is not abused. All candidates are the same and like in the Melaka election, all candidates including independent candidates and those from the opposition are given the opportunity to introduce themselves.
“The people have the right to get to know them and make their own choices so, it should be no problem,” he told reporters after an interview with Johor FM at Johor RTM here today.
Also present were Malaysian National News Agency chief executive officer Datuk Mokhtar Hussain and director-general of broadcasting Datuk Che Roslan Che Daud.
Annuar said RTM, particularly television and radio channels such as Johor FM, were given the opportunity to formulate suitable programmes during the state election, especially after the nomination process.
“It aims to display candidates’ information so that they are better known to the people. We also understand that the new standard operating procedures will have limitations in terms of candidates’ movement.
“This is where RTM can play a role by providing a suitable space for them (candidates) in a fair and just manner,” he said.
The Election Commission is expected to announce the dates for the 15th Johor election after a special meeting on February 9. – Bernama, January 29, 2022
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