Several Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders today criticised the announcement that parties will be given 10 minutes to present manifestos on Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM).

Leaders from Pas, DAP and PKR when contacted by Astro AWANI said that the duration given was too short, but stopped short of rejecting the opportunity outright.

They also feel that the chance for opposition parties to go on-air should not only be given during election period, but also given throughout the year.

Pas deputy president Mohamad Sabu personally said he does not agree with the proposal.

“If we look at freedom of the press, (the opportunity) should be given through out the year not only during general elections,” said Mohamad, or better known as Mat Sabu.

Pas will discuss the matter with other PR members before making a decision on the matter.

For PKR vice president N. Surendran, he described the proposal as ‘unfair’.

“It is unfair and not enough as Barisan Nasional (BN) gets broadcast time from the government for many programmes without any limites and on various channels,” said Surendran.

Just like Mat Sabu, he also proposed the idea (for the opposition) to go on-air during other times, other than during election period.

Another opposition leader, Anthony Loke, accused the government of not being serious enough when proposing the idea to present the manifestos (on RTM).

The National Organising Secretary of DAP also said the opposition is given only 10 minutes while BN is given more than one hour of news coverage each day.

He also proposed the government to discuss the idea with all political parties on the mechanics before implementing it.

Meanwhile, Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan (BN – Kota Belud) welcomed the decision to present manifestos, describing the proposal as a step towards democratising information.

Abdul Rahmad said, it will give the opportunity for the public to hear the manifestos from both sides.

“Maybe some would think 10 minutes is too short, but we have social media and they’re able to disseminate their information (throughout the year),” he said.

He added, 10 minutes is to strengthen what have been said before as the general public already knows the content of both parties’ manifestos.

President of Parti Rakyat Malaysia, Dr Rohana Ariffin felt that the proposal is a good idea.

According to her, it shows an open mindset because it provides an opportunity for parties to briefly explain their manifestos.

Even though she agreed with the proposal, she said that it would be better if the time given was slightly longer.

When asked about opposition leaders wanting more on-air time ‘through out the year’, Dr Rohana said:“That’s an impossible request... don’t ask for the impossible.”

On Friday, by Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim announced that political parties will be allowed to present their manifestos on RTM after Parliament is dissolved to pave way for the 13th General Election.

He said that the opportunity was being given to both BN and the opposition, but the presentation would be pre-recorded.