PSM: Unacceptable for Harapan candidate to dodge debate
SEMENYIH POLLS | PSM is disappointed that Pakatan Harapan's candidate for the upcoming Semenyih by-election Muhammad Aiman Zainali has declined to participate in a debate organised by electoral watchdog Bersih.
Speaking to Malaysiakini, PSM central committee member S Arutchelvan recalled how Harapan leaders mocked former premier Najib Abdul Razak for not willing to engage in public debates when he was in power.
“In 'Malaysia Baru', we want to encourage debates...
SEMENYIH POLLS | PSM is disappointed that Pakatan Harapan's candidate for the upcoming Semenyih by-election Muhammad Aiman Zainali has declined to participate in a debate organised by electoral watchdog Bersih.
Speaking to Malaysiakini, PSM central committee member S Arutchelvan recalled how Harapan leaders mocked former premier Najib Abdul Razak for not willing to engage in public debates when he was in power.
“In 'Malaysia Baru', we want to encourage debates. For Harapan's candidate to refuse is unacceptable,” he added.
Furthermore, he claimed that Harapan is concerned about losing the state seat and therefore, the debate would serve as an ideal platform to convince the voters.
Arutchelvan said PSM is also upset that BN's candidate Zakaria Hanafi also chose to dodge the debate.
He said such debates would allow the voters, and Malaysians in general, to better understand and gauge the candidates based on their respective arguments regarding pertinent issues.
“If you can't even engage in a debate like this, how do we expect them to debate in the state assembly when elected?” he asked.
In view of this, the PSM leader urged voters to reject candidates who are not willing to debate and subject themselves to the scrutiny of the electorate.
On Sunday, PSM's candidate for the Selangor seat Nik Aziz Afiq Abdul agreed to participate in the debate.
"My reply is that I am fully ready, and I feel that we need a debate. The debate is not so we can fight among ourselves, but to talk about how we can best serve the people,” he had said.
Apart from the trio, independent candidate Kuan Chee Heng is also vying for the seat, which fell vacant following the death of the Harapan incumbent Bakthiar Mohd Nor.
Harapan's candidate is the son-in-law of the late assemblyperson.
During last month's Cameron Highlands by-election, all the candidates except for the eventual victor from BN, Ramli Mohd Nor, participated in a debate which was televised live.
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