Wee puzzled by Loke’s debate challenge over transport ministry achievements

MCA president Wee Ka Siong says he is puzzled by DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook’s challenge to a debate.

The challenge is believed to have followed Wee’s proposal for candidates from MCA and DAP, who are vying for a seat in the Melaka state election to hold a debate.

“What has this got to do with me?

“Jasmine Lok asked me if she could debate her opponent for the Bandar Hilir seat, DAP’s Leng Chau Yen, so the issue on the parking system can be put to rest. I told her to go ahead,” he told FMT, referring to the Melaka MCA information chief.

Wee said a debate would be the best platform for voters to get to know the stance of both candidates on the issue.

Loke’s challenge was therefore odd as the issue was Melaka-centric, Wee added.

He also dismissed accusations by Loke that he was a bully and trying to take advantage of Leng’s speech impediment.

“How is asking two candidates to debate bullying?

“And I didn’t even know of Leng’s speech impediment until Loke mentioned it.

Earlier today, Loke, the transport minister challenged his predecessor, Wee, to a debate on their achievements in helming the ministry.

Loke said if Wee wishes to debate he could “debate him anytime on transport issues.”

But Wee said he had never challenged Loke’s record as a transport minister.

“For all intents and purposes he can call himself the greatest transport minister in Malaysia’s history and revel in it.

“I’m not bothered by that.”

Wee also said it would be unfair to compare their achievements in the ministry due to the different circumstances during their respective tenures.

Loke first served as the transport minister from 2018 to 2020, when he lost the post following the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan-led federal government.

Wee took over and served as the minister until 2022, when Loke was reappointed in December that year following the formation of the unity government after the general election (GE15).

“When I was made the transport minister, we were struck by the Covid-19 pandemic. Movement restrictions were in place and planes were grounded.

“It would be unfair to compare our achievements given these circumstances.” he said.

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