Did debate turn into 'Q&A' because Rafizi is afraid, asks influencer

A social media personality has taken issue with Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli allegedly watering down a debate challenge into a "question and answer" podcast session.

The individual who goes by the monicker YB Viral said the purported downgrade was tragic.

"Although Rafizi is no stranger to making U-turns, this debate challenge that turned into a Q&A and discussion podcast is a testament to how low Rafizi has sunk.

"Is Rafizi afraid of losing a debate to an influencer who he accused of just 'spreading stupidity'?" he said in a statement last night.

The statement was jointly issued with civil society group Demi Negara.

YB Viral and Rafizi (above) have been taunting each other on social media for over a week, with the former branding Rafizi as the "stupidest" economic minister.

On Dec 10, Rafizi said he would be in touch with the social media personality - whose real name has not been revealed - to arrange a debate.

Five days later, Rafizi posted that he had extended an invitation to YB Viral to be a speaker on a podcast.

While the invitation and Rafizi's posting did not mention the word "debate", it did say that the podcast would be an opportunity for both sides to share their views and present facts to the public.

A debate is often defined as a discussion or dialogue between two opposing sides, both trying to prove they are in the right.

In the posting announcing the invitation, Rafizi said the podcast dubbed "Yang Bakar Menteri" (The Minister Roaster) would be an opportunity for YB Viral to "burn" him and prove that he is the stupidest minister.

YB Viral then dismissed the invitation for not being a "debate".

Keeping debate plan alive

In his statement last night, the influencer said he is putting effort into making a "debate" happen.

"Because Rafizi is clearly trying to run away from his initial challenge of debate with YB Viral, YB Viral has reached out to a few parties to see if they are interested to organise and make the debate between YB Viral and Rafizi a reality," he said.

He added that one of those individuals he reached out to was MCA president Wee Ka Siong.

Earlier in the statement, YB Viral also accused Rafizi of body shaming but did not specify how.

This is believed to be over Rafizi's remarks poking fun at the influencer for reportedly wearing a fake wig and moustache.

CSO censorship

Separately, YB Viral and Demi Negara also accused the government of censoring critics, especially those involved with the CSO.

They cited how Demi Negara's website was blocked as proof of the alleged censorship.

"Very likely Rafizi and the government are going to dismiss their abuse of power by giving the excuse the restrictions were because of lies and slander.

"But think about this for a while, it has been a year since this government was formed, how many of the public interest influencers and netizens who spoke out against the weaknesses of this government have been prosecuted or even sued by the Madani government?" they said. - Mkini