Candidate, media groups call for open access to cover Johor polls
JOHOR POLLS | PKR Larkin candidate Dr Zamil Najwah Arbain has expressed hope for the media to be given enough room to carry out their duties for the ongoing state election.
Zamil, one of six candidates in N44 Larkin, was earlier present at the nomination centre in Dewan JKR, Larkin, where a journalist was issued an RM1,000 compound for allegedly failing to comply with social distancing measures.
"I am shocked by the...
JOHOR POLLS | PKR Larkin candidate Dr Zamil Najwah Arbain has expressed hope for the media to be given enough room to carry out their duties for the ongoing state election.
Zamil, one of six candidates in N44 Larkin, was earlier present at the nomination centre in Dewan JKR, Larkin, where a journalist was issued an RM1,000 compound for allegedly failing to comply with social distancing measures.
"I am shocked by the RM1,000 compound issued on the spot to media personnel during the nomination period this morning.
"In my view, this is a form of intimidation against the media that has a role to play in maximising access to information and coverage for the people during this state election," Zamil said in a statement.
"I hope that our media friends will continue to be given access to carry out coverage on the state election for the people under reasonable and limited restrictions," he added.
Earlier today, a journalist with Sin Chew Daily, Wong Kian Yong, 42, was issued an RM1,000 fine after authorities claimed he had failed to observe social distancing requirements.
"I was surprised. When I wanted to get the candidate's contact, suddenly an officer came and said I went against the SOP (standard operating procedures).
"The compound was RM1,000 and I'm a bit disappointed because we (media) were only carrying out our duties," he said.
Aside from Wong, two media personnel from the online portal Malaysia Gazette were also given formal warnings by the police and health authorities.
'Authorities should facilitate coverage'
When contacted, Gerakan Media Merdeka representative Noor Azam Shairi said authorities should assist the media in carrying out their duties throughout the campaign leading up to polling day on March 12.
"While authorities have a duty to enforce Covid-19 prevention procedures, restricting media access, including through issuing a fine is a harsh move.
"All parties, including authorities, candidates and their teams should instead facilitate safe coverage throughout this election," said Noor Azam.
He added that media personnel on the ground should also find ways to minimise their risks without sacrificing their role as public informants.
Center for Independent Journalism executive director Wathshlah G Naidu concurred, saying the government and authorities should recognise their positive duties by facilitating and ensuring a safe and enabling space for media to report on the ground to promote transparency and accountability reporting.
"Safety measures should have been placed to maintain social distancing and, at the same time, provide the platform where media could have robust and equal access to the candidates and other sources during nomination.
"It is imperative for media to have equal access to the different parties and actors involved in the elections to ensure impartial and accurate information on election-related issues," she said.
Aside from Larkin, other nomination centres around Johor reported various degrees of restrictions on media coverage, while other programmes throughout the campaign period are also subjected to Covid-19 prevention procedures.
