PERIKATAN Nasional (PN) has demanded an explanation from the government and TV3 over the eleventh-hour cancellation of its Hari Raya “takbir” recital.
The telecast, which features former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and other opposition leaders, was allegedly yanked just minutes before it was supposed to go on air.
Calling the decision “unprofessional”, coalition deputy secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan claimed that the management of TV3 had cited “technical problems”, which he found to be “odd and unacceptable”.
“In the e-mail sent about five minutes before the ‘takbir’ was scheduled to be broadcast, TV3 explained that they were forced to make the decision due to ‘technical problems’ and promised to return the money PN had paid,” Takiyuddin said in a statement today (April 26).
“However, as a renowned television channel and a veteran in the broadcast industry, PN feels that such incident should not have happened.
“Therefore, PN urges the management of TV3 and the federal government, particularly the Communications and Digital Ministry to come clean on this issue and deny that there was any political interference to sabotage the video from being aired.”
He further asserted that the integrity of TV3 and the ministry depends on their readiness to be transparent and professional, especially in honouring contracts and promises that have been legally and formally agreed upon.
Previously, the opposition coalition said they were informed by TV3 only at 10.11pm, nine minutes before the telecast was supposed to go on air.
The video features Muhyiddin and Bagan Serai MP Datuk Seri Idris Ahmad of PAS chanting the “takbir Raya” recital, along with PN leaders expressing their Raya wishes.
Had the video been aired, it would be one of the rare occasions when a paid advertisement by an opposition political party had been broadcast on Malaysian television. – April 26, 2023
Main pic credit: The Star
