PAS: If Najib is scared to debate, just say so

PAS has slammed Najib Razak for saying debates are not part of Malaysian culture, saying the PM should instead just admit he is afraid to engage with Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim.

“If he is afraid to debate with opposition leaders, then don’t say that debating is not our culture, because there are those in Umno leaders who are willing to debate.

“(If debating is not our culture) then what is?” said PAS secretary-general Mustafa Ali (right).

He was responding toNajib’s comment yesterday after chairing the Umno's supreme council meeting,  that debating was not part of Malaysia’s political culture.

According to Mustafa, Najib may be saying this because he fears that “his turn will come” since other Umno leaders such as Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and Umno supreme council member Saifuddin Abdullah had already held debates with Pakatan leaders.

“Perhaps it may be in Najib’s mind that if there were a debate it cannot be ‘going down the ladder’ and must be ‘going up’.

“‘Going up’ (in his turn) means Najib himself. If he is scared, then just say ‘I’m scared’,” said Mustafa while laughing sarcastically.

He added Najib’s claim was also not accurate because Islam encourages debate as something which should be done.
 
“There are verses in the Quran stating that if you debate, then debate in the best way,” he said.