PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli has challenged caretaker Kedah Chief Minister (CM) Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor to debate during the state election nomination day, which commences tomorrow (July 29).
Rafizi initially challenged Selangor Perikatan Nasional (PN) state chairman Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali to a debate but his request went unanswered, so he shifted his attention to the Kedah CM.
The Economy Minister selected Sanusi as his debate opponent, citing that he considers the PN election director to be the most courageous opposition leader at present.
He added that he is confident that the debate will be the ‘best entertainment’ for the public ahead of the state elections on Aug 12.
“Azmin ran away from contesting at Bukit Antarabangsa and when I invite him to talk about economy-related matters, he is also afraid. So, I believe that the next bravest leader in PN is Sanusi.
“Therefore, I would like to invite Sanusi for a debate on live television. I am sure there are a lot of broadcasting stations such as TV3 and ASTRO will be vying to host it.
“Since I am the PKR election director and he is the PAS election director, let’s have a debate so that we can discuss,” said the Pandan MP during his speech at Jelajah Madani campaign at the Rawang state assembly (DUN) last night (July 27).
According to Malay daily Harian Metro, Rafizi issued a challenge to Azmin for a debate on Malaysia’s economy during his speech at the Jelajah Madani campaign in Sri Tanjung, Port Dickson on Tuesday (July 25).
During the PKR election in 2018, Rafizi also extended a challenge for a debate to the former Gombak MP who was serving as the economic affairs minister at the time. However, Azmin declined the invitation.
Furthermore, Rafizi clarified that his challenge to debate with PN leaders aims to foster a culture of competing ideas that help the people rather than focusing on the rhetoric of ‘who is more Malay’.
Rafizi stated that he has already proposed a straightforward approach such as implementing solar panels and roof changes to aid the public. Now, he anticipates hearing concrete ideas from PN on how they plan to assist the people.
The PKR leader also regarded the debate which can be held on any date during the two weeks leading up to the state election date of Aug 12, as the perfect way to silence Sanusi from demeaning and ridiculing insulting any of his opponent’s leaders.
“There are two weeks left, and if I don’t help him debate the economy and the administration, I’m not sure who else he wants to insult after this. Insya-Allah (God willing), we have two weeks, so it will be good entertainment as the state election approaches.
“Insya-Allah (God willing), we will organise a debate between me (Pakatan Harapan election director) and Sanusi (PN election director).” – July 28, 2023
Main photo credit: Rafizi Ramli’s Facebook
