State polls: Media outlets welcome to organise debates among candidates, says Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR: The government welcomes broadcasting media platforms who want to organise debate programmes for candidates contesting in the six state elections, says Fahmi Fadzil.

The Communications and Digital Minister said such programmes, to be publicly broadcast on any official media platforms and mainstream channels, is highly encouraged in line with the practice of democracy in the country.

"We welcome all media to be involved in providing platforms for discussions or even debates so that campaigns for the candidates will not be just about hurling accusations and masking each other.

"For me, as a country that practices democracy, we must engage in mature politics, and that includes the practice of debates,” he told reporters when met at the nomination centre at SMK Sungai Pusu near here Saturday (July 29).

Fahmi said he also believed that there are many open media platforms available for broadcasting a debate among the candidates, but it is up to the candidates to decide whether they are willing to participate in such a programme or not.

The Election Commission (EC) has set the state elections in Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu to be held simultaneously with the Kuala Terengganu by-election on Aug 12, with nomination on July 29 and early voting on Aug 8.

Fahmi also anticipated that social media will be livelier with the debates considering that applications like TikTok have a large number of active users.

"For example, we see political activists Papagomo and Wan Mahussin engaging in debates on TikTok and many people watched them. So, I’m sure social media platforms will become even more lively,” he said.

On monitoring by the authorities, he said the relevant agencies such as the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, Royal Malaysia Police and the EC, will intensify their monitoring activities.

"A few days ago, I had a discussion with the Inspector-General of Police to see what needs to be done to strengthen this monitoring team, especially concerning issues related to religion, royalty, and race (3R). Several matters have been agreed upon and will be implemented promptly.

"We also get cooperation from various social media platforms, including TikTok, which is ready to assist in the monitoring to ensure that the laws in the country are respected throughout the campaigning period,” he said.

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