When we think of an election, images of politicians debating on TV, visiting residential areas and handing out aid to the needy are conjured.
However, a political campaign may not always consist of these activities. For example, the presidential debates customary for presidential candidates in the US are not a thing here in Malaysia.
This sentiment was echoed by prime minister Ismail Sabri who recently rejected Anwar’s proposal to organise a debate involving prime minister candidates, stating that it is not the culture in Malaysia.
He said that a debate does not bring about any results and is just a mere platform for the debaters involved to sprinkle promises.
“(Debating) is not our culture- it does not bring about any results.”
“If given (the opportunity) to debate, they (the debater) will mention their promises. The stars and the moon will be mentioned, so there is no need (to debate),” he said.
He said this when met by the media after attending the Prime Minister’s Special Briefing in conjunction with GE-15 and the 2022 Northeast Monsoon at the Bukit Aman Police Headquarters today.
Earlier, the Chairman of Pakatan Harapan (PH), Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim proposed that the 3 Prime Minister candidates, namely from PH, Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Barisan Nasional (BN) hold an open debate in conjunction with the 15th General Election (GE-15).
We don’t know about you, but we’d love to see the prime minister candidates in a war of words with each other.
Also read: MoE: Primary School Syllabus is Being Re-Evaluated, All Suggestions are Welcome
