GE15: Geramm slams EC for not providing room for questions

PUTRAJAYA - Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) criticised the Election Commission (EC) for not providing room for media personnel to ask questions at a press conference regarding the 15th General Election (GE15).

Through a statement on Monday, Geramm emphasised that the media's duty should not be a one-way communication, only expected to listen to press conference but should be able to ask questions to obtain further clarification from the EC management regarding matters related to GE15.

"Among other things, until now the EC has not yet given any explanation regarding the voting procedure for individuals who have been confirmed positive for Covid-19, following the previous statement from the Health Director General Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah," said the movement.

The EC's failure or refusal to provide room for the media to seek further clarification would have the potential to cause confusion among the public thus weaken the democratic system, it said.

"It should be noted that the EC has an important role as an official source of information about the election process, while the media is tasked with channeling accurate information.

"If the EC insists on not providing room for media personnel, then there is no need to invite the media to attend physically.

“It is enough to send a written statement or to conduct an online session which saves time for all parties. The media is not a parrot," the statement read.

So far, the EC had held two press conferences, namely the announcement of important dates and the confirmation of the number of candidates contesting.

No questions from reporters are allowed to be submitted for the two sessions.