Debate for the people or for political gains?

Umno youth says the call for a debate between Najib and Anwar is the Opposition’s way of staying in the limelight.

KUALA LUMPUR:  The fervour with which the opposition is urging Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to debate with their leader Anwar Ibrahim raises the issue, for whom the debate is to be held.

It is no rocket science to discern the benefit which the opposition stands to get from such event, especially with the 13th general election looming, and even more so if the debate is aired live on television.

One can imagine the grandstanding.

Umno Youth vice-chief Razali Ibrahim said that it is better for the government and party to use their valuable time to work for the well-being of the people rather than wasting it by engaging in a debate.

“We should endeavour to work hard and not just talk; to develop the country and to look after the well-being of the people. Mere talking will not achieve anything. In fact, if we talk too much, we waste as much time, energy and money,” he told Bernama.

Pahang Umno deputy chief Mohamad Sharkar Shamsuddin describes the debate proposed by the opposition as a means for them to advance their political interest.

“Why not reply first to the Omega wrist watch issue and the (sex) video which allegedly featured him (Anwar)?” he said.

Anwar’s ex-private secretary, Anuar Shaari said the prime minister need not entertain Anwar, who he said could use a distraction or two to extricate himself from the fallout arising from his alleged support of the security of Israel as published in the Wall Street Journal.

“Anwar can also debate with Eskay Shazryl Abdullah to defend himself against the allegation that he featured in a sex video,” he said in a text message to Bernama.

This is not the first time Anwar is urging for a debate with a representative of the government.

He had previously targeted then-prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as well as his then-deputy, Najib.

Ahmad Shabery Cheek, who was at that time the Information Minister, picked up the gauntlet and debated with Anwar in July 2008.

But the ensuing debate had been used by supporters of Anwar to boast about his prowess as an orator.

In any case, to some, a debate is not the be all and end all.

Furthermore, through the visits by Najib and his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin throughout the country, the government has answered all questions raised by the opposition through simple explanations to the people, without any chest beating.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat ex-youth chief Senator Ezam Mohd Noor said generally debating is good it but it will not be beneficial if an irresponsible person like Anwar takes part in it.

Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who had dealt with the antics of the opposition for 22 years in administering Malaysia, said the society is not ready yet for such a debate.

Mass Communication and Public Relations lecturer Prof Mohd Hamdan Adnan sums it up well when he said: “The opposition had for long closed its eyes and ears to the good of the Barisan Nasional government.”

“The opposition only wants an open stage to showcase their leader and defame the government. They will reject all explanations. A debate is useless as it is impossible to change the stand of the opposition.”

- Bernama