GE15: all PM candidates should engage in open debate, analyst opines

KUALA LUMPUR – All prime ministerial candidates from the three main political coalitions should engage in a debate before the 15th general election as part of a new political culture, a political analyst opines.

Political analyst, Prof Datuk Mohammad Agus Yusoff, said a debate is the best way through which the candidates could raise their different points of view and give the public a chance to know what their plans and aspirations are.

However, he believes such an open debate would not go down well with prime ministerial candidates, even in democratic countries like the United States, as it could expose a candidate’s certain weaknesses.

“A heated debate also adds fuel to the contest, and this could play a major role in influencing voters in their choice of candidate.

“However, voters must bear in mind that such a debate is only a form of open discussion and does not in any way reflect the party’s manifesto or other political promises,” he told Getaran in an interview.

According to Agus, one-way communication can be rhetoric and is often viewed as uninteresting by voters.

He said he was surprised when caretaker prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob refused Pakatan Harapan’s request for a debate, saying it is not the country’s political culture and is not beneficial.

“I find it strange that there are political leaders who don’t want to debate. One should accept the invitation as it is a chance to voice out ideas, thoughts, principles, facts, and also one’s plans for the future.

“It would also provide voters the opportunity to gauge for themselves who would make the best prime minister.

“The purpose of such a debate was not to determine who will be the most popular candidate, but rather to provide the public an opportunity to evaluate the leadership qualities of the candidates to lead them in the future,” he said.

The Election Commission should require the prime ministerial candidate or senior party leader to participate in a debate during the next election, he added. – The Vibes, November 7th, 2022