After ‘bullying’ claim, MCA candidate invites DAP rival to ‘written discussion’

 DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook had ticked off MCA president Wee Ka Siong for picking on Bandar Hilir candidate Leng Chau Yen, who has a speech impediment.

MCA’s Jasmine Lok (left) said she has ‘absolutely no intention of bullying’ her DAP rival, Leng Chau Yen, who she said has ‘considerable talent in public speaking and debating’.

PETALING JAYA:

MCA’s candidate for the Bandar Hilir seat in the Melaka election, Jasmine Lok, has invited her DAP rival, Leng Chau Yen, to a “written discussion” on Facebook, following concerns about Leng’s speech impediment.

In a Facebook post today, Lok said she had “absolutely no intention of bullying Leng” and that her earlier invitation to debate was not extended for personal publicity.

“After listening to her speeches, I felt she had considerable talent in public speaking and debating. I was informed at the outset that Leng agreed to accept my invitation.

“I acknowledge that Leng’s debating skills may well surpass mine. The real purpose of the debate is to enable the people to gain a deeper understanding of the issues affecting their lives and livelihoods in Melaka, particularly in Bandar Hilir,” she said.

This comes after DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook criticised MCA president Wee Ka Siong for daring Leng, who has a speech impediment, to debate Lok, accusing him of being a “bully”.

Loke, the transport minister, challenged Wee, who previously held the portfolio, to a debate on their achievements in helming the ministry instead.

However, Lok defended Wee, saying he had merely expressed support for her invitation to a debate with Leng.

Proposing a “written discussion” on Facebook, she said she would raise questions about issues in Bandar Hilir and the surrounding areas for Leng to answer.

“Leng will have ample opportunity to answer all my questions and raise her own questions about issues in Bandar Hilir.

“The debate will not be overly formal or rigid, and both sides will be able to exchange views in an open, constructive and meaningful manner,” she said.

Lok said the objective of the debate was not to “determine whose debating skills are superior or who would win or lose”.

“Our objective is to put the people’s interests first and give them an opportunity to better understand the various issues that directly affect their daily lives. The only winners in this debate will be the voters,” she said. - FMT