YONG PENG — The battle in Ayer Hitam is intensifying with Johor DAP chairman Liew Chin Tong challenging his opponent MCA Johor chairman Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong to a live public debate.
Liew said the debate, titled “The future of Ayer Hitam and Malaysia”, will see a rational political discussion between two political rivals on an equal footing, following Wee’s request to debate issues facing Penang.
“Wee, who is MCA Johor chairman, can have this debate from now until May 7 at any time in Ayer Hitam broadcasted live on television.
“I am prepared to conduct the debate in either Bahasa Malaysia, English or Chinese,” he said during a press conference in Yong Peng today.
Liew said he had volunteered after Wee’s request for DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng to debate him.
“Wee is not the candidate for Ayer Itam in Penang but a candidate in Ayer Hitam, Johor and I think it is better for us to debate since I am facing him in the constituency.
“This is the way for rational politics to be conducted and not abusing your power by using the Election Commission to tear down our billboards,” he said.
He said a representative will deliver the invitation letter to Wee for consideration at the soonest.
“Wee has no right to refuse a debate because he has all the reason to challenge Guan Eng on an issue in Penang but at the same time he is not involved in the state whatsoever.
“I hope Wee as a senior MCA leader and a Barisan Nasional candidate would have the courage and intellectual strength to accept the challenge,” he said.
The debate invitation comes after Liew expressed his displeasure over the treatment of several Pakatan billboards featuring PH chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, as well as Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor, after they were taken down by EC following complaints lodged by MCA recently.
Liew had questioned if the EC had vested interest and if the additional regulations imposed by the commission on the use of campaign materials last week was meant to protect certain personalities.
I thought you wanted a clean contest? Ka Siong asks Chin Tong
JOHOR BARU — With temperatures fast rising in the race for Ayer Hitam, incumbent Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong told his main challenger, DAP’s Liow Chin Tong, to refrain from personal attacks and baseless allegations.
The MCA deputy president urged his Pakatan Harapan rival to conduct a gentlemanly campaign, after the latter alleged that a businessman was funnelling millions of ringgit into Barisan Nasional to ensure the latter loses.
Wee accused Liew today of spreading claims that the purported tycoon had toured Ayer Hitam, Sembrong and Labis to extend financial support to BN and its campaign here for the general election.
“I feel that this is not the way of campaigning and if he has proof, please show it,” he said today.
“If not, please stop making wild allegations, which I view as an unhealthy accusation.”
He reminded Liew that the latter had asked for a clean contest, but was now reneging on this.
Wee spoke to the media after attending a closed-door meeting with Tebrau BN division leaders here today.
The MCA deputy president also claimed that Liew sent “spies” to one of his talks, where they allegedly photographed the tycoon to show at their events.
He advised Liew that the latter need not resort to such furtiveness as all were welcome to his rallies.
“I have never stopped anyone from attending my talks, even if they are from the Opposition because it is good to listen from both sides,” he said.
Liew should also not need to use such tactics if he is confident of defeating him, Wee said.
Wee is defending the federal seat against Liew and PAS’s Mardi Marwan.
MALAY MAIL
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