By Jason Yeo
MUDA president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has found a new debate opponent in the form of Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii.
This is after PKR Youth chief Adam Adli Abdul Halim had rejected the Muar MP’s invitation to debate on issues faced by young Malaysians – for now – citing the state elections season and his belief to give room to “those who need it more for the time being”.
“I was just made aware of the Debate Challenge by @SyedSaddiq online as I was deeply focused on the campaign trail (actually he could have just [sent me a private message] to inform me beforehand as we have been friends for a while and I probably would have responded faster),” Dr tweeted today (Aug 4).
“The topic of debate is a very important topic and something that is not just close to my heart, but more importantly pivotal to the agenda of the unity government which prioritises issues important to youth including high-valued jobs, quality education, affordable housing, energy transition, environmental protection and many more.
“And thus in spirit of that, I as the Pakatan Youth chief ACCEPT the challenge for us to debate on all these matters on an agreed time and condition set by all parties involved.”
I was just made aware of the Debate Challenge by @SyedSaddiq online as i was deeply focused on the campaign trail (actually he could have just pm me about it to inform me beforehand as we have been friends for awhile and i probably would hv responded faster)
— Kelvin yii (@Kelvinyii88) August 4, 2023
However, Dr Yii noted that the debate can only take place after the 44th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary (AIPA) General Assembly in Jakarta on Aug 5–11.
Dr Yii explained that he had the responsibility as an MP to represent the Malaysian government at the general assembly which commences tomorrow (Aug 5).
“As part of the AIPA economic committee in Parliament Malaysia, I will be tabling and defending important resolutions including one on ‘Driving Energy Transition and Developing Green Economy in ASEAN’ which is something important even to young people as it involves high quality jobs, proper knowledge transfer, upward mobility for industries and more importantly helps with the protection of our environment,” he elaborated.
“Thus, once I have carried out my responsibility and return, I am more than willing to arrange a suitable time to have this healthy debate which is a continuous conversation we need to have at any time moving forward.
“Looking forward for the arrangement, and let’s have a healthy debate purely focusing on the interest of the young people and the importance of bringing stability and shared prosperity to all in our beloved nation.”
On Thursday (Aug 3) Syed Saddiq extended an invitation to Adam Adli and Perikatan Nasional (PN) Youth Chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari to debate openly on the challenges faced by today’s youth.
According to Muda’s statement, the open debate would provide an opportunity to present the policies and initiatives of each party.
“The public will judge participants based on the clarity and effectiveness of their proposed solutions,” the statement said.
“It will be broadcast live on various digital platforms, allowing Malaysians from various walks of life to directly witness the discussion of ideas and views.”
Meanwhile, Sinar Harian reported that Ahmad Fadhli has agreed to the debate.
“I have no issues accepting this challenge. I am liaising with Syed Saddiq’s team to set a time and place for the debate,” he was quoted as saying.
“Debating is a healthy culture in society. I have no problems having the debate anywhere, anytime, and not only during the state elections season.” – Aug 4, 2023
Main pic credit: Malay Mail
