Muar ‘debate’ continues with empty rostrum, crowd jeers

Crowd jeers at an absent Razali Ibrahim, as organisers left an empty rostrum on stage for the BN incumbent.

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Syed Saddiq speaks beside an empty rostrum left for BN’s Razali Ibrahim

MUAR: Organisers of a much anticipated debate between the Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan candidates here went ahead with the programme despite the police saying there was no permit for the event.

Despite knowing that BN’s Razali Ibrahim was nowhere in the hall, moderator Fikri Ahmad representing the organiser, Akademi Penokohan Pemuda (SHIELD), took to the stage to introduce him, drawing jeers from the audience who packed the hall at the Muar Traders Hotel.

“May I invite Razali Ibrahim as the incumbent to present his argument,” said the moderator, as he waited five seconds for Razali to appear.

He then introduced PPBM Youth chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, the PH candidate for Muar.

Earlier, Syed Saddiq questioned the police for saying a permit was needed for the programme.

“We have discussed this with our lawyers to verify that we did not need to apply for a permit for tonight’s debate.

“We are not here with blades and keris, all we wanted was a peaceful debate that would discuss issues faced by the people,” he said. -FMT