Lure of the ceramah stage leads to poor turnout at debate
CAMERON POLLS | Voters in Cameron Highlands were given a chance to witness history last night when the first televised public debate was held in the farming town.
However, few voters showed up at the event in Hotel Heritage in Tanah Rata. In fact, it would appear that more than half the 50 people in the room were either media or plainclothes police...
CAMERON POLLS | Voters in Cameron Highlands were given a chance to witness history last night when the first televised public debate was held in the farming town.
However, few voters showed up at the event in Hotel Heritage in Tanah Rata. In fact, it would appear that more than half the 50 people in the room were either media or plainclothes police officers.
The turnout at the debate was a far cry from the two ceramah, organised by Pakatan Harapan and BN respectively, which were held in its vicinity.
When moderator Faisal S Hazis took questions from the floor, only a few voters had questions.
Nevertheless, the situation benefited voter Mohd Tahir Haji Kassim, who could pose several questions since he didn't have to give way.
Former Islamic Development Department (Jakim) officer, Mohd Tahir, 60, said the debate was a welcome change in electoral practices and brought the country closer to practices abroad.
"Having the candidates debate each other is good. It will have an effect on voters," he said.
Mohd Tahir, who travelled nearly two hours from Kampung Medang to witness the debate, added that he was assisting independent candidate Salehuddin Ab Talib's campaign.
Levelling the playing field
Paediatrician Dr Cheam May Choo, 59, said the public debate stage helped to level the playing field for independent candidates who did not possess party machinery.
"It allows them to send their messages across," said Cheam, who said she attended the debate to know the candidates better.
Thomas Fann, who heads electoral reform pressure group Bersih which organised the debate, said he was not disappointed by the turnout because history was made.
"We are not disappointed at all, this is a historic occasion. We managed to organise a debate between the candidates and it was broadcast nationwide.
"We hope this will be a good start. (Hopefully in) future by-elections and general elections, we will consider (debating) to be the norm and expected of all candidates," he told Malaysiakini.
Fann said the only regret was that BN's Ramli Mohd Nor did not take part in the debate as it would have showcased his ability to debate in Parliament.
"It is their loss. They could have had free airtime," he said.
the debate was soooo boring
The debate should be a serious matter. 90 over percent of independents are mostly put up candidates and are there not for winning election. In a debate only candidates form political parties should take part. Bersih in addition had given independents centre stage. The serious contender Manogaran was alotted the side place. There is no question of making it a level field for independents as they are there to lose and to draw away some votes. Both independents will lose their deposits and obtain a few hundred votes each.
Good start thou. Thanks to Bersih and RTM1. Look foward to future debates.
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