Negri Sembilan MCA chief Dr Yeow Chai Thiam has agreed to accept a challenge to a public debate from his counterpart in DAP.

However, Yeow demanded that Negri Sembilan DAP chief Anthony Loke honour his earlier promise that details of the debate, including the topic, would be solely decided by MCA.

NONE According to reports in Chinese dailies today, three representatives from Negri Sembilan DAP handed over an invitation letter to the MCA state headquarters yesterday morning.

The letter challenges Yeow ( right ) to debate with Loke to “strengthen democratic politics and promote the culture of public debate among political leaders”.

Later in the afternoon, Yeow, who lost to Loke in the Rasah parliamentary constituency in the last general election and was later appointed a senator, called a press conference to accept the challenge.

However, Yeow chided the DAP for reneging on its promise to the voters as Loke had earlier announced that all the details of debate would be decided by the MCA, including the topic.

"I was very disappointed when I read Loke's letter. Nevertheless, Negeri Sembilan MCA agrees to accept the challenge, but he must honour his earlier promise to the voters that all details should be decided by MCA and not by DAP," Oriental Daily quotes Yeow as saying.

He also issued a three-day ultimatum to Loke, requesting that he agrees to the conditions Yeow had set and reply by noon tomorrow - otherwise it will prove that DAP is a gutless party.

Both Yeow and Loke are arch rivals in Negeri Sembilan. Loke, who is also DAP Youth chief, took the Rasah parliamentary seat from the MCA in the last general election, defeating Yeow by a staggering majority of 13,151 votes.

He has challenged Yeow to contest in Rasah again, but Yeow said the candidacy would be decided by the BN leadership.

Related stories

Jessie Ooi decries harassment, vows legal action

Jessie Ooi defends poser to Guan Eng

Ku Nan moots Anwar-Saiful debate instead

Dr M's contradictory take on debates

The Star says sorry for 'Malay PM' mistake

The time has come for more public debates

Of press prostitutes and cowed media

Debate: Politics of thuggery wins the day