Selangor DAP chairperson Au Yong Hian Wah, accompanied by five other party colleagues, walked into the MCA headquarters in Kuala Lumpur's Jalan Ampang this morning.

The purpose was to hand over a letter to MCA vice-president Dr Chua Soi Lek inviting him to a debate with senior DAP leaders.

In the presence of the building's security guards, Au Yong (left in photo) handed the letter to a lady staff who was ready to receive the DAP delegation in the reception area.

The letter to Chua is an invitation to him to debate with DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and deputy secretary-general and Bukit Mertajam MP Chong Eng.

The origins of this challenge began in Johor when the Johor government, in consultation with MCA, decided to allocate RM3.2 million for Chinese schools and Chinese temples in Johor.

Although the allocation was welcomed by the Chinese community, it drew criticisms from Au Yong who described it as electoral candy.

Initially, Au Yong invited Chua who is also health minister to debate with him on topics surrounding Chinese education.

However, Chua publicly denounced the young politician and asked the DAP to send someone of equal standing if the party is serious about a debate with him.

Au Yong accepted his conditions and invited Lim and Chong to represent the DAP in the debate.

Don't run away

According to Au Yong, the reason he came in person was to express his sincerity at issuing the challenge to a debate.

"As a man of principle, he (Chua) should officially accept the offer to debate, as he has already agreed to it publicly".

Kuan Perk Siong, political secretary to Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Ling, agreed, saying that Chua should not run away from the challenge if he is a man of his words.

"The ball is now in his court," stated Tony Pua, economic advisor to the DAP secretary-general. "It is now a matter of setting up a time and place". Kuan and Pua were present Au Yong.

Au Yong added that the debate will allow the Chinese community to understand more about Chinese education, its problems and ways to resolve them.

Chua could not be contacted for comments.