Critics flay Najib, Kit Siang for 'time-wasting' debate move
Not everyone is excited about the mooted 'kleptocracy debate' between DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang and former premier Najib Abdul Razak.
Gerakan vice-president Baljit Singh believes that both leaders are still in election mode, over a year after the 14th general election...
Not everyone is excited about the mooted 'kleptocracy debate' between DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang and former premier Najib Abdul Razak.
Gerakan vice-president Baljit Singh believes that both leaders are still in election mode, over a year after the 14th general election.
"I would like to remind them that the election is over. Now is the time for Pakatan Harapan, who won, to fulfil its promises. Many surveys after May 9 have shown that many promises are yet to be fulfilled.
"Can a debate solve any problem? The cost of living is escalating and citizens are either losing jobs or having their pay cut or remain stagnant.
"Why not spend more time finding ways to improve peoples lives especially the B40?" he asked.
The debate – which Najib suggested should take place after Hari Raya Aidilfitri – was prompted by Lim remarking that the former premier had yet to clarify several allegations against him.
This followed Najib claiming that the DAP leader was "obsessed" with him, and suggested that it would be better if they debated.
'People sick of politicking'
Baljit (photo), however, described the move as a waste of time, saying that most Malaysians are too busy struggling to make ends meet to be dragged into this "nonsensical debate."
He said Najib should instead focus on his court cases involving 1MDB, and added that anything raised during the debate on the state investment firm could amount to sub judice or contempt of court.
"How can Malaysians benefit from the debate? Besides, Lim is not a minister, can anything he says benefit the nation?" Baljit asked.
"Malaysians are sick of such politicking, which we are forced to witness every day.
"It's not just politicking, but racial and religious issues are also being exploited and manipulated, to serve whose end? Definitely not the rakyat."
Baljit suggested that both leaders walk a mile in the people's shoes instead to see the hardships they face.
"It's time for both BN and Harapan to get their act together and come up with plans to help the people.
"That is a much better way to show your capability, instead of a time-wasting debate."
'Najib is nobody now'
Social activist Sudhagaran Stanley (photo), meanwhile, urged Lim to spurn Najib's suggestion for a debate.
"Najib is no longer the prime minister and not in power. He is a nobody now.
"The people are not interested in listening to him. We have had enough of his side of the story," he said.
Stanley, who serves as the Penang coordinator for the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism, accused Najib of trying to control the narrative with the debate suggestion.
"Najib is now facing numerous court trials and there is more to come. Such debates might be sub judice and affect the trials.
"Najib is trying to control the situation and gain popularity among rural folk, hardcore extremists, and his shameless 'bossku' gang.
"By debating with Lim, his target is not to score points or convince the educated sections of society, but to further manipulate the not so well-versed section of the community, their thoughts and feelings."
Stanley said Najib would achieve this target by talking about how he had helped the people under his rule, and that Lim would effectively be roped in as an unwitting accomplice.
"It serves no purpose to the building of our new Malaysia. The majority of the rakyat already rejected Najib and BN in the polls.
"We are not now in evaluation mode on who is wrong or right. Please focus on more important matters.
"Full trust should now be placed on the justice system of the country. It is the courts that should decide on his guilt and innocence. This, the people are interested in following," he said.
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