Don’t change debate topic, Guan Eng tells Soi Lek

UPDATED @ 03:34:26 PM 11-02-2012

By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal

February 11, 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 11 — The DAP’s Lim Guan Eng today accused foe Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek of altering their February 18 debate topic and limiting its scope to the Chinese community’s political future.

The DAP secretary-general pointed out the initial topic suggested by organisers, the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI) together with the Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (INSAP) was titled, “Is the two-party system becoming a two-race system?”

“It is wrong for Chua to change the topic on the merits and demerits of a two-party system or whether it is becoming a two-race system to one of “Malaysian Chinese-Quo Vadis?” Lim(picture) said in a statement.

The MCA president had reportedly said the debate would be on the future of the Chinese community in Malaysian politics.

Lim said he accepted the topic as it was in line with the DAP and the Penang state government’s commitment to fight for the rights of all Malaysians, not just one community.

“The debate...should see a contest of ideas, ideals and policies that benefits  democracy and also all Malaysians not just Chinese alone.

“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,” added Lim.

Lim said the debate between him and Dr Chua will be in Mandarin, and will take place at the Berjaya Times Square Hotel in KL from 5 to 6pm. The debate will be carried live by Astro AEC.

Lim also said he was willing to debate in either English or Bahasa Malaysia if given another slot.

The debate will happen during one of the sessions during the “Malaysian Chinese at the Political Crossroads” forum, which will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

All parties with Chinese membership, in and out of government, have been invited to speak at the event.

Other than politicians, representatives from non-governmental organisations are also slated to speak.