PH dares all 4 MCA candidates in Melaka to debate

Pakatan Harapan (PH) has proposed open debates with Barisan Nasional candidates from MCA contesting four seats in the Melaka polls, expanding a challenge initially directed at its candidate for Bandar Hilir.

Melaka PH deputy chairman Khoo Poay Tiong said the proposal followed MCA president Wee Ka Siong’s challenge to the PH candidate for Bandar Hilir to hold a debate in the constituency.

“PH therefore proposes that the debate be expanded to involve candidates from both parties in all four constituencies contested by MCA and PH.

“Our four candidates are Low Chee Leong for Kota Laksamana, Leng Chau Yen for Bandar Hilir, Farzana Hayani Nasir for Kelebang and Ginie Lim for Machap Jaya,” he told a daily PH press conference at Bukit Piatu here today.

Also present was DAP national political education director Howard Lee.

Khoo, the Melaka DAP chairman, said the debates could be held at a neutral venue agreed upon by both sides, with an independent NGO acting as mediator to ensure fair discussions.

He also proposed that the debates be conducted in Bahasa Melayu so that Melaka residents from diverse backgrounds can understand the arguments and positions presented by both sides.

“The debates could be held as soon as possible, before Nov 14,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lee said PH had also proposed debates involving the top leadership of both parties to discuss national policies affecting Melaka.

He said open debates would provide a platform for both sides to explain their policies and positions, while encouraging the transparent competition of ideas as part of democratic practice.