As debate pressure mounts, Ismail Sabri remains unfazed

Caretaker prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob today reiterated that he was not interested in debating anyone ahead of the Nov 19 election.

Ismail Sabri said past public debates between PKR president Anwar Ibrahim and former information minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek, and later between Anwar and former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak did not benefit the public.

"One side will bring his supporters, the other will also bring his, and the supporters cheer in the hall. That's it.

"We in the government do more than just debating. We make sure what is planned and announced is implemented. If there are problems like an increase in the cost of living, we will work out ways to ease the people’s burden.

"The government has a lot of work to do, and we do not just talk but also take action," he told reporters in Kuantan, Pahang today.

Ismail Sabri said this over Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin’s statement that he was prepared to debate with any prime minister candidates of other parties in the run-up to the 15th general election.

Anwar, who is Pakatan Harapan leader, had proposed such a debate.

- Bernama

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