Anwar says again: Debate me

He says a face-off between him and Najib would be an important prelude to the official election campaign period.

PETALING JAYA: In welcoming the dissolution of Parliament today, Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim repeated his debate challenge to Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak.

“I reiterate my early call to caretaker Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to accept my proposal for a  public debate on policies, economic or social,” Anwar said at a press conference here.

“This will the perfect opportunity for him to defend Barisan Nasional and for me to take the opportunity to explain the Pakatan Rakyat position.”

He said the debate would be an “important and critical” prelude to the official election campaign period.

Anwar has proposed a debate between him and Najib many times in the last few years, but the prime minister has always declined, saying debates were not part of Malaysian culture.

But many civic groups support the debate call, saying it would help Malaysians decide which coalition to vote for.

It is unlikely that Najib will accept today’s challenge.

At today’s press conference,  Anwar praised Najib for promising that his administration would ensure a smooth transition of power should Pakatan win the election.

“I welcome the rather surprising announcement by Najib that he would respect the outcome of election and ensure a peaceful transition of power,” he said.

BN leaders have been warning that Pakatan would attempt to take to the streets should the election results favour the incumbent government.

Former prime minister and Perkasa patron Dr Mahathir Mohamad has alleged that Pakatan was setting the stage for unrest by repeatedly criticising the Election Commission (EC).

However, many observers believe that the sometimes violent disruptions of political forums are the work of Umno or its sympathisers.

Anwar said Pakatan had not changed its perception that the EC holds a bias for BN.

“Regardless, Pakatan will continue to respect the electoral process with the hope that the EC can fulfil its duty with responsibility,” he said.