An estimated 1,000 people packed the Kwang Tung Association Hall last night in Taiping, Perak for a debate between DAP and MCA but were left disappointed after the latter’s representative did not show up.

Dr Mah Hang Soon had stated on Sunday that he would not NONE participate in the debate because it was wholly organised by DAP and disagreed with the choice of venue as the Taiping parliamentary seat was held by DAP.

Nevertheless, Perak DAP chairperson Ngeh Khoo Ham ( right ) showed up for the event last night, billed as a debate on whether Pakatan Rakyat or BN’s policies were better, moderated by an Astro AEC talk show host, Gan Jiang Han.

In the end, Ngeh was the sole speaker. He listed the many plus points of Pakatan’s administration of Perak before it was ousted in February last year.

NONE Despite the ‘one-man-show’, the hall was bursting at its seams and many spectators were forced to stand outside the hall to follow Ngeh’s speech.

There were two rows of seats reserved for MCA representatives but this was left empty throughout the event.

Mah: DAP ‘drama king’, insincere

Contacted today, Mah said that he did not attend the debate because it was unfair since the event was totally organised by DAP and he didn’t even have a say in the choice of Gan as the moderator.

“To be fair, both parties must be allowed to discuss the choice of venue, rules and other matters,” he said.

NONE However, Mah said that he will still pursue a debate against Ngeh and has contacted Gan, whom he said had agreed to organise a proper debate. Gan could not be contacted for independent verification.

“I can accept a moderator that they have nominated, but we must thrash out other matters to ensure a fair debate,” said Mah.

He claims that DAP’s insistence to proceed with the function last night shows that they were not sincere, because he had notified them early on that he was unavailable on Nov 1.

He also accused DAP of deliberately setting conditions and making logistical arrangements that were not in his favour in order to create a “drama”.

Ngeh turns down new challenge

Responding to this, Ngeh said he would no longer entertain further debate challenges from Mah after the debate last night fizzled out despite months of negotiations and preparations.

“I don't want to waste my time with him any more,” said Ngeh.

NONE However, Ngeh said that Perak DAP secretary Nga Kor Ming ( left ) was more than willing to fill in for him and the latter was even willing to debate anyone from MCA.

“He can debate the president, the past presidents... anyone. It can be against, two or more persons,” said Ngeh, adding that DAP was not being arrogant, but confident that they have better material for such debates.

Responding to Mah’s no-show, Nga issued a statement calling the former a “chicken”.

NONE “The moment of truth had finally come as Mah had chickened out last night after Ngeh took up his challenge for a policy debate.

“Why throw the public debate challenge to Ngeh ‘any time, any place’ but chicken out at the last minute?” asked Nga.

Nga said that the crowd that showed up at the Kwang Tung Association Hall jeered when organisers screened a video clip depicting Mah’s Oct 9 speech at the MCA Youth general assembly stating that he would debate DAP “any time, any place” on BN’s policies.

“In the end, Mah was forced to swallow his own words,” said Nga.