PELANGAI BY-ELECTION | There will be no open debate between candidates running for the Pelangai state seat.
Two of the candidates told Malaysiakini that they were not inclined to engage each other in a debate, while another said he would need to check with his party leadership.
PAS' Kasim Samat, who is representing Perikatan Nasional, said there was no need for him to debate BN's Amizar Abu Adam as they both hail from the same village.
"He (Amizar) is my fellow villager. There is no need for us to debate against each other.
"(We have been here) together," he said when met at a night market in Felda Chemomoi earlier this evening.
Kasim and Amizar, both Chemomoi locals, are considered the main contenders in the three-cornered fight for Pelangai state seat in Bentong, Pahang.
The third contestant is Haslihelmy DM Zulhasli, a businessperson and NGO leader from Kampung Bukit Gajah in Pelangai, who is contesting as an independent candidate.
When asked the same question about participating in the candidates' debate, Amizar said he wanted to think about it first.
"It depends on whether my party leadership gives permission because we follow party decisions. (But) Insya-Allah," he said.
‘Focusing on campaign’
Haslihelmy, meanwhile, shared Kasim's sentiment on the matter.
The former Bentong Umno Youth member said he prefers to focus his campaign on introducing himself and his plans for Pelangai to voters.
"I want to focus on approaching voters by doing house visits. There is no need for a debate," he said.
Malaysia saw its first election debate between candidates in 2019 when Bersih organised a session for the Cameron Highlands’ by-election with Pakatan Harapan and two independent candidates showing up. BN did not accept the invitation.
Since then, there have been efforts by Bersih and others to make such activity a culture in Malaysian elections, but have seen rejections from candidates and parties.
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