Debates in Kelebang, Ayer Keroh expected to fire up campaign

 

MALACCA POLLS | The state election campaign period may see some more heat soon as several debates between candidates are in the pipeline.

Earlier today, PKR candidate for the Kelebang seat, Gue Teck, made an open invitation to his opponent from MCA Lim Ban Hong to have a three-cornered debate this weekend.

In a copy of his letter sent to Lim (above, left) earlier today, Gue said the programme proposed for 9pm this Sunday is aimed at providing a "healthy platform" for each candidate to deliver their message to the voters.

"This platform can be used to present our political ideology, our plan on how to develop the community or the Kelebang constituency, policies that concern the people and on the economy," he said.

The letter was delivered by Lee Chean Chung, who is a campaign adviser for Gue, at Lim's office this afternoon.

Mode of debate

Lee also told Lim's office that he is inviting the PAS candidate.

Gue said the mode of debate - whether it shall be done online or face-to-face - is to be discussed later should Lim accept the invitation.

A more interesting development is believed to be in the Ayer Keroh constituency, where DAP's Kerk Chee Yee, who is defending his seat, has invited his two opponents from Gerakan and MCA for a three-cornered debate.

"I sincerely would like to extend invitations to all the candidates contesting the Ayer Keroh seat, namely Yong Fun Juan (BN-MCA) and Micheal Gan Peng Lam (PN-Gerakan) to participate in a debate session, where we will discuss issues that concern Ayer Keroh and the state of Malacca," Kerk said on Facebook on Monday.

Informed choices

According to Kerk, he initiated the plan so that voters can understand the political ideology and leadership skills of each candidate for them to make informed choices.

This comes after the Election Commission imposed strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the campaign period, which Kerk said had constricted political parties from delivering their messages and discussing issues with voters.

Kerk did not set any specific time or platform for the planned debate but urged government television stations to provide a platform for all candidates in the election to debate one another.

So far, Yong has responded positively, saying that he is ready to participate while Gan told Malaysiakini that he has an issue with the "timing".

"I love to, but the timing is out," he said in a text message today when asked whether he is accepting the invitation. - Mkini