No debates among PM candidates, not our culture: Ismail Sabri

KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has rejected the idea to have a national debate among the prime ministerial candidates from three political coalitions as it is not part of Malaysian culture.

The caretaker prime minister said such a debate does not bring results and only serves as a platform for the candidates to make election promises.

“Debating is not part of our culture, it does not bring any results.

“If given the opportunity to debate, they will only make promises, the moon and the stars – so there is no need to have a national debate,” he told reporters after a briefing on the general election (GE15) and monsoon season at Bukit Aman police headquarters here today.

“I don’t think there is a need for a debate. We are busy in our constituencies carrying out election campaigns.”

He added that the formation of the government is based on the trust of the people.

Previously, Pakatan Harapan (PH) prime minister candidate Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim suggested that candidates from PH, Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Barisan Nasional (BN) should have a public debate ahead of GE15.

He said a debate should be focused on public policies and not mud-slinging.

Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said BN candidates for GE15 will undergo screening by the Religious Affairs Department, Insolvency Department, police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

He added that the screening will be stringent, which includes marriage registrations and child support payments.

“Possibly we will have to check with the ‘pejabat kadi ‘(marriage registrar’s office), if (the candidates) are married in Thailand. This includes unpaid child support, and judgements from the shariah courts.

“Previously, there were no such screenings, but this time they will be more detailed. We will also screen them via police, MACC and the Insolvency Department.” 

He said the list of BN candidates is still being finalised, pending discussions by the coalition’s top five leaders, adding that BN will unveil its election manifesto in the near future.

Malaysia’s 15th general election (GE15) and state elections for Perlis, Pahang and Perak will be held on November 19 with nomination day on November 5.

This means the campaign period will last 14 days.

Early voting will be held on November 15. – The Vibes, October 25, 2022