DEBATE FOR SABAH TOO?

DAP Sabah is happy to note that the government is showing an improvement in as far as freedom of speech and expression are concerned based on the live telecast debate between DAP Secretary General Lim Guan Eng and MCA President Chua Soi Lek yesterday 18th February 2012.

It was the Anwar-Sabri live debate some years ago that started the process of making Malaysia a more democratic country.

The lively debate in Astro AEC at 430pm was viewed by millions across the nation. We hope to see more such debate. In fact there is already calls by Malaysians to see a debate between PR's PM in waiting Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Prime Minister Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak.

DAP Sabah Assistant Secretary Junz Wong said the importance of such debate is not about who wins or loses but about letting the people more aware of the political agenda of political leaders first-hand. The information which they gathered during the debate will guide them to make a rational decision especially during the election. A live debate provides the government and opposition not only equal airtime but also shares the same platform to reach to the people.

Junz said that it is no secret that the mainstream media and press is controlled by the BN government. This includes the National TV programs such as TV1,2,3 NTV7 which will not air any opposition news unless they are beneficial to the government. The government monopoly as news provider has been curtailed, thanks to the establishment of an alternative electronic media.

The government decision to allow live debate can be seen from this new development in the media world. Junz added that such debate is healthy and gives both parties the opportunity to refute allegations and answer their critics. The debate also gives the people a chance not only to hear but also to ask questions to the political leaders face to face.

Junz Wong who is also DAPSY KK Assistant Youth Chief commented that Guan Eng-Soi Lek debate was very encouraging and we hope more and more of such public debates can be organized between political parties for the benefits of the people.

Junz hopes that political leaders in Sabah will also be given the opportunity to a live debate so that issues such as the illegal immigrants, NCR land, Block L&M and the high cost of living to name a few can be raised and answered on the spot. I am sure Sabahans are dying to hear what their politicians have got to say." Junz concluded. - Sabahkini