KUALA LUMPUR: Political parties will be given 10 minutes airtime each on Radio-Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) to present their manifestos after Parliament is dissolved to pave the way for the 13th general election.
Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said the opportunity was being given to both Barisan Nasional and the Opposition, but the presentation would be pre-recorded.
"It is up to the parties whether to use the facility or not, but we in the ministry are ready to implement this," he told reporters at Angkasapuri here Friday.
He said the opportunity was being provided to respect the democratic system in the country and hoped the 10 minutes would be enough for the parties to forward their respective manifestos.
Dr Rais, however, said the presentation of the manifestos must be done according to the terms and conditions set by RTM and would be supervised by the ministry's secretary-general and a panel headed by the broadcasting director-general.
"I am not involved in this, nor are any other ministers," he said.
Dr Rais said the manifestos presented cannot discredit or defame anyone, relate to matters on the country's security, insult the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, belittle human rights or touch on people's sensitivities.
"These requirements and other information will be handed over to the Election Commission, as well as other quarters who will play a role in presenting the manifestos," he added.
The country's 13th general election is expected to be held in the coming weeks.
The current Parliament held its first sitting on April 28, 2008 and automatically dissolves at midnight on April 27.
The last general election was held on March 8, 2008.
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