Johor bahru: The culture of campaigning throughout the Johor State Election (PRN) needs to be conducted healthily based on facts rather than slander, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He emphasized the importance of this approach for all political parties, machineries, and supporters ahead of nomination day tomorrow to ensure that the democratic process maintains decorum and complies with the law.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi stated that the Election Commission (EC) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) would not hesitate to take legal action against any party found committing an offence. "We campaign healthily, with facts and not with slander. We must ensure that our culture and manner of campaigning are full of decorum and orderliness," he remarked during an event at the Jiwa@Komuniti MADANI Casual Chat Programme at the Setara Stall in Taman Banang Jaya.
Fahmi added that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), in collaboration with social media platform providers, has enhanced monitoring efforts to block the spread of false information, focusing on sensitive issues related to Royalty, Religion, and Race (3R).
Regarding facilities for media practitioners, he informed that a main media center has been established in Johor Bahru. Journalists can also utilise the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) network in each State Legislative Assembly (DUN) constituency to facilitate their reporting duties, allowing them to work or upload stories efficiently.
In another development, Fahmi addressed complaints about internet disruptions and blind spots around Batu Pahat, following feedback from the area's Member of Parliament, Onn Abu Bakar. Fahmi instructed MCMC to promptly investigate these issues. Onn expressed appreciation for Fahmi's presence, as it allowed him to convey local residents' complaints directly to the ministry for further action.
The Election Commission has set tomorrow as nomination day for the Johor State Election, with polling day scheduled for July 11, following the dissolution of the State Assembly on June 1.