SUBANG JAYA, 10 Jan: The mainstream media in this country can be seen as unfair and unprofessional in providing news coverage for the opposition, said the Muslim American Election Observers Committee representative, Dr Inayat Malik.
In actuality, the media should provide fair and equal coverage for both, the government and the opposition, to provide a clear picture and without biases, for the people.
“We notice in Malaysia that opposition parties are denied fair coverage in mainstream broadcast and print media.
“We have only had the opportunity to hear the views from one side, while the views of others should also be brought up to be evaluated together.
“This is absolutely not a healthy development seeing that the people should be given the opportunity to determine their choice,” Inayat explained in a press conference at Holiday Villa here, this morning.
The press conference was also attended by PKR Vice-President Nurul Izzah Anwar, which was held specifically to announce the fact-finding mission related to political reform and improvement in the Malaysian electoral system.
Inayat who was accompanied by two other representatives arrived in the capital last Monday to observe the Malaysian electoral process as the 13th General Elections (GE-13) draws near.
Apart from emphasising media freedom, other issues given emphasis on was the level of integrity of the electoral rolls of the Election Commission (EC) and the government’s role in ensuring fairness as well as to ensure that there is no misuse of government machinery during the election period.
“Although we are present by the invitation from the opposition, however any observation done is independent and neutral, without being in favour to any party, individual or organisation,” Inayat stressed.