Debate with Soi Lek must involve all Malaysians, not just Chinese - Guan Eng

The debate with MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek organised by MCA’s Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research(INSAP) and Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute(ASLI) is not on topic of “The Malaysian Chinese In The Coming General Elections - Quo Vadis?” but on the topic “Is the 2-Party System Becoming a 2-Race System”.

The topic of the debate “Is the 2-Party System Becoming a 2-Race System” was suggested by the organisers through a letter by ASLI’s CEO Datuk Dr Michael Yeoh on 3 February 2012. I had accepted this topic as this is in line with DAP’s and the Penang state government’s commitment to fight for the rights of all Malaysians just as MCA believes in fighting for only one community. It is wrong for Chua to change the topic on the merits and demerits of a 2-party system or whether it is becoming a 2-race system to one of “Malaysian Chinese-Quo Vadis?”.

Either English or Bahasa

MCA is organising the conference on “Malaysian Chinese at Political Crossroads” to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, and several other topics will be explored by various speakers. The organisers had agreed that Chua will I be debating in Mandarin at Berjaya Times Square Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on 5-6pm 18 February 2012 carried live by Astro AEC television station.

I wish to stress that I am willing to debate in English or Bahasa Malaysia at another slot similar to my debate in 1991 with Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat where two debates were held, one in Mandarin and the other in English. I have appointed my Political Secretary and Komtar ADUN YB Ng Weik Aik to finalise debate arrangements and details with MCA as well as DAPSY National Chair Rasah MP YB Anthony Loke to handle the logistics of the debate.

Contest of ideas, ideals and policies not personalities

The debate with Chua Soi Lek is on the topic “Is the 2-Party System Becoming a 2-Race System” should see a contest of ideas, ideals and policies that benefits democracy and also all Malaysians not just Chinese alone. DAP offers the ideas, ideals and policies implemented in Penang that can be translated nationally of fostering a sense of belonging, a sense of togetherness and a sense of ownership amongst all Malaysians.

Only when when there is respect of political rights, socio-economic justice and respect for each other’s human dignity are we Malaysians regardless whether we are Malay, Chinese, Indian, orang Asli, Iban or Kadazan.

Lim Guan Eng is the Penang Chief Minister and DAP secretary-general