The unprecedented series of national unity debates broadcast 'live' by state-owned television station RTM1 would be more useful if "fairer questions" were posed, said opposition leaders who have participated to date.

Former Utusan Malaysia editor-in-chief Johan Jaafar, who moderates the series, came in for the bulk of criticism but could not be contacted for a response today.

The programme, dubbed ' Debat Perdana Mengenai Perpaduan ', has invited government leaders and opposition members to discuss unity-based issues. The 10-week series kicked off on Sept 12 in the 9pm on Sundays.

The first debate featured four panelists - Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, PAS secretary-general Nasharuddin Mat Isa, and Yayasan Strategik Sosial executive director Dr Dennison Jayasooria.

Last Sunday, the second session invited Kelantan executive council member Husam Musa, Umno Youth exco member Dr Zamberi Abdul Kadir, DAP vice-president Dr Tan Seng Giaw, and Prof Ibrahim Ahmad Bajunid, the dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Universiti Tun Razak.

Moderator criticised

When contacted for his views, Nasharuddin said questions asked were biased and that the moderator seemed to be in favour of the government.

"I did not have enough time to respond (to the questions). Whenever I wanted to elaborate, the moderator would intervene," he said of his session.

However, he conceded that inviting opposition leaders to appear on the programme was a "good start".

Echoing Nasaruddin's comments, Tan said the moderator appeared to have his own agenda in asking questions.

"The moderator tried to facilitate the debate by exerting control in his own way. He tried to blame us (in the opposition) for everything that is wrong (in relation to national unity)," he said.

However, Tan also said he did not blame the moderator for this as "he doesn't have a benchmark yet, and (therefore) doesn't know what to do".

Husam felt the questions posed to opposition leaders were particularly "tricky", but agreed it was good that opposition leaders are being given a chance to appear 'live' on television.

"The questions set for BN members were very friendly, while questions for the opposition were very tricky, but I like that," he quipped, noting that the programme is more of an "interview" than a debate.

"We did not get a chance to rebut. The moderator asked questions which we answered," he said.

He suggested that the number of panelists be reduced to three, in order to given each more time for responses.

Ibrahim, meanwhile, said the debate is a new initiative that shows the maturity and willingness of the government to give appropriate space to both government and opposition to express their opinions.

"It also shows the maturity of opposition leaders in discussing (issues in an) appropriate way. I think this is a higher level of political literacy,"he said.

"When leaders have the opportunity to speak in public, they must be accountable and consistent about what they have said."