Umno presidential debate: Annuar moots opposition - gov't debate instead

Instead of a debate between Umno presidential hopefuls, it would be better if a debate is held between the opposition leader and the head of the new government after the latter's first 100 days, Umno information chief Annuar Musa has suggested.

"If you want to debate on issues relating to the rakyat and the country, I would suggest we hold an open debate between the head of government and the opposition leader once we reach 100 days of the Pakatan Harapan's administration," he said in a statement today.

The head of the government is the prime minister, which is Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Annuar, who is running for the deputy presidency, also warned presidential candidates Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and Khairy Jamaluddin over the pitfalls in taking part in a televised debate ahead of the June 30 party polls.

He advised the latter duo not to get overexcited to the point they forget the platform and the tune of their battles, he said.

"The party election is a family affair for Umno. It is subjected to rules, ethics and tradition. This is a sensitive issue that should not be exposed to outsiders, especially the 'enemy'," the Ketereh MP said in his statement.

"We should conduct our internal affairs in an orderly manner, with wisdom. Do not let the enemy decide on our internal strategy."

Razaleigh, who is fondly known as Ku Li, had suggested an open debate between the presidential candidates, with Khairy taking up the challenge.

Both RTM and Astro Awani have agreed to host the debate.

However, Umno acting president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also gunning for the top post, rubbished the need for a debate.

Annuar added that while there is a need for the party to be more open, the openness should not be detrimental to the objective and strategy of the party's struggle.

He noted that the previous opposition parties had never conducted public debates for the president's post.

"Remember, if we act excessively, it will bring more harm than good," Annuar said. - Mkini