PH Challenges MCA to Debates in Four Melaka Seats

Pakatan Harapan (PH) has proposed a Melaka debate format pitting its candidates against Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates from MCA in all four seats where the two sides face off in the 16th state election, Bernama reported.

The proposal widens a challenge originally aimed only at PH’s candidate for the Banda Hilir seat.

Melaka debate in four seats

PH Melaka deputy chairman Khoo Poay Tiong said the move followed MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong’s challenge for PH’s Banda Hilir candidate to debate him in the constituency.

Speaking at PH’s daily press conference at Bukit Piatu on Monday (Nov 2), Khoo said PH wanted the debate expanded to include candidates from both parties in all four constituencies contested by MCA and PH.

He named PH’s four candidates as Low Chee Leong for Kota Laksamana, Leng Chau Yen for Banda Hilir, Farzana Hayani Mohd Nasir for Kelebang and Ginie Lim for Machap Jaya.

Neutral venue, Bahasa Melayu

Khoo, who is also Melaka DAP chairman, said the debates could be held at a neutral venue agreed by both sides, with an independent non-governmental organisation acting as mediator to keep the discussions fair.

He also proposed that the debates be held in Bahasa Melayu so Melaka residents from all backgrounds could follow the arguments of both sides.

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

Call for leadership debate

DAP national political education director Howard Lee Chuan How, who was also at the press conference, said PH had further proposed debates between the top leaders of both parties on national policies affecting Melaka.

Lee said open debates would give both sides a platform to explain their policies to voters and encourage a transparent contest of ideas as part of democratic practice.

Polling for the Melaka state election is on Nov 14, with early voting on Nov 10.

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