CARETAKER Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob should not be afraid to accept the proposal by Pakatan Harapan (PH) PM candidate Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the PM candidates from the three main coalitions to engage in a debate ahead of the Nov 19 national polling day.
After all, the PKR president has already stipulated that the debate should focus on policy-related matters and not be filled with accusations and insults against each other.
Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur DAP secretary Lim Lip Eng felt that it was inappropriate for the interim PM to reject the debate invitation on grounds that “it is not Malaysia’s political culture” but whether his stance was supported by fellow Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs.
“His statement is also surprising considering that the main duty of a MP is to discuss matters of legislation, policy and national administration, especially in the parliamentary session,” lamented the Kepong MP in a statement.
“If it is true that the discussion is not the political culture of Malaysia, then it is not surprising that the attendance of Ismail Sabri and his ministers at the parliamentary session has been very disappointing.”
“And it can be observed that no wonder BN representatives tend to shout violently, mock, play up racial and religious issues, slander and skip the parliamentary session instead of arguing thoughtfully about the problems of the people and the country’s economy,” added Lim.
According to Lim, the debate culture has become ingrained as a political culture in Malaysia with such culture being promoted in the mass media.
“Moreover, some 10 years ago, former MCA president Tan Sri Chua Soi Lek had a debate with the then DAP secretary-general (now chairman) Lim Guan Eng and their debate was broadcast live on television for public viewing,” he recalled.
“A few months ago, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim also had a debate with former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and the debate was also broadcast live. During both occasions, Ismail Sabri had held the position of a minister before assuming the premiership. Doesn’t his act of rejecting Anwar’s invitation to debate look hypocritical?”
As such if Ismail Sabri is unable to debate with the opposition leader (Anwar) “for reasons only he himself knows”, Lim proposes that the former appoints a representative from among BN’s top leadership to act on his behalf before the 15th General Election (GE15).
“A national leader will not be afraid to fight for and defend efficient, trustworthy and transparent political principles,” argued Lim. “There is no reason for Ismail Sabri and BN to run away from this issue considering debate of this nature is good for building a healthy and mature democracy.” – Oct 26, 2022
