Rafizi expresses readiness to debate with Nurul Izzah
The proposal for a debate was actually raised by grassroots party members.
TEMERLOH – PKR deputy president, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, has expressed his willingness to engage in a debate with his contender, Nurul Izzah Anwar, in an effort to ease tensions during the party’s election campaign.
He said the organisation of the debate should be entrusted to an independent party, typically the media, to determine a suitable date and location.
“If we refer to the previous election, my contest against Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail already set the precedent where deputy president candidates took part in a debate organised by a neutral party.
“As I’ve said before, PKR is a party that strives to promote a new, open political culture based on ideas. So, we’ll be entering the final week of the campaign next week,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after the Jelajah Hidupkan Idealisme Reformasi Dalam Ujian Kuasa (HIRUK) Pahang programme at Dewan Sri Mentakab here on Wednesday.
Rafizi also revealed that the proposal for a debate was actually raised by grassroots party members.
“I welcome the suggestion. I leave it to... usually the media and tonight I am declaring my readiness to participate in the debate,” he said.
When asked when the debate would take place, Rafizi said it would depend entirely on the organiser and admitted that he has not been approached by any party to host the session so far.
“Based on experience, there will usually be a party that steps forward to organise the debate. Both candidates would then agree and the timing would be determined by the organiser.
“If I were the one knocking on the organiser’s door, people might say I’m being biased. So, I think it’s more appropriate for the media to act as the organiser,” he added.
Meanwhile, Rafizi also emphasised that his decision to step down as the Economy Minister if he loses the election is the best move to stabilise the party and avoid affecting the Unity Government.
“When I first became the Economy Minister, I already mentioned that the ministry is responsible for formulating comprehensive policies—not only economic, but also social, educational and so on.
“The first two years are for planning, and the next three years are for implementation. We are now in the implementation phase, so I don’t see it being a problem,” he added.
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