Disappointed with parties, Bersih gives up on candidates' debate
Electoral watchdog body Bersih has decided not to organise any candidates' debate for the Tanjung Piai by-election.
Bersih chairperson Thomas Fann (above) said they would just be observing the election and producing a report after it is over.
Electoral watchdog body Bersih has decided not to organise any candidates' debate for the Tanjung Piai by-election.
Bersih chairperson Thomas Fann (above) said they would just be observing the election and producing a report after it is over.
"The parties have shown little interest in debates,” he told Malaysiakini on why Bersih had no plans to organise a debate.
"It's very disappointing that they prefer to campaign the old way rather than progressing to more mature ways,” he added.
Meanwhile, chairperson of Johor-based NGO Engage Wong Chin Huat also said his organisation had no plans to hold a debate among the candidates as it was stretched too thin over other projects.
In January this year, Bersih organised the first candidates' debate for the Cameron Highlands’ by-election with Pakatan Harapan and two independent candidates showing up. BN did not accept the invitation.
Two months later, Bersih cancelled its Semenyih by-election candidates' debate after both BN and Harapan had turned down its invitation.
Bersih did not organise a debate for the following Rantau by-election, while only three independent candidates agreed to take part in its Sandakan by-election debate.
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