THE Government will not be allowing debates among Melaka chief minister aspirants to be aired live television as it was merely involving state-level polls, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa.
“We have discussed the matter, for now, it is not suitable yet to be done on national channels but the debate can still be held via portals and private channels.
“We have to bear in mind that after this there will be state polls in a bigger state involving more candidates, and maybe the general election in the future,” Bernama reported him as saying.
Last week, Annuar said that RTM may grant Opposition candidates some airtime for the upcoming Melaka state polls.
He said this following request was made by Pakatan leaders following COVID-19 restrictions imposed during campaigning; which bars public visits, gatherings and ceramah.
“I’m aware of the request and we are looking into the matter. I will have a discussion with RTM and it is important to make some kind of arrangement to give them an opportunity on this,” he was reported saying then.
Last week, PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim suggested debates be aired on national television channels among candidates nominated by their parties for the chief minister’s post.
The Ketereh MP remarked: “For now, my ministry has only allowed RTM to give airtime for candidates representing parties or independents to introduce themselves fairly.” – Nov 14, 2021.
