PH accepts MCA's challenge to hold four-on-four debate
Khoo Poay Tiong challenges MCA to field candidates from four constituencies, with PH proposing a Bahasa Melayu debate before Nov 14
HANG TUAH JAYA – Pakatan Harapan (PH) has accepted MCA's challenge to hold a debate involving candidates contesting in the 16th Melaka state election.
PH deputy chairman Khoo Poay Tiong said the challenge had, however, been expanded to a four-on-four debate involving candidates from the Kota Laksamana, Bandar Hilir, Machap Jaya and Klebang state constituencies.
"All four PH candidates are ready to accept the challenge, and we are now challenging the four MCA candidates to a debate.
"We can debate any topic related to the administration of the Melaka state government and the welfare of the people.
"I hope MCA will accept this challenge so that the people can make their own assessment," he told a press conference at the PH main operations room here on Monday.
Previously, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong had challenged DAP's Bandar Hilir candidate Leng Chau Yen to debate his party's candidate, Jasmine Lok, on their respective track records in holding the relevant portfolio.
Apart from Leng, the PH candidates are Low Chee Leong, Farzana Hayani Mohd Nasir and Datuk Ginie Lim Siew Lin.
The MCA candidates for the four constituencies are Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem, Datuk Lim Ban Hong, Jasmine and Melvin Chua Kew Wei.
Poay Tiong, who is also Melaka DAP chairman, proposed that the debate be held in Bahasa Melayu to ensure the messages could be understood by the public.
"We want this debate to be held as soon as possible, and not after Nov 14. We are ready at any time.
"If they are serious about debating, we are ready to face them. But it should not involve just one candidate. If they are brave enough, let's have a four-on-four debate," he said.
He added that the venue could be discussed with MCA, suggesting that a neutral non-governmental organisation (NGO) act as the mediator and moderator.
Meanwhile, DAP national political education director Howard Lee Chuan How questioned Ka Siong's motives for limiting the debate challenge to the Bandar Hilir constituency.
"If you want to compete, compete with everyone. If you want to debate, debate with everyone. If you want to deny that there is a hidden agenda, then debate.
"This is democracy and policy competition, which is what we advocate through political education in general," he said.
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