KUANTAN: Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah came ready to debate his Indera Mahkota opponents, but ended up cutting a lone figure on stage when none of them showed up.
The Perikatan Nasional candidate had wanted to have a debate with Pakatan Harapan's Zuraidi Ismail, Barisan Nasional's Quek Tai Seong and Pejuang's Dr Mohamad Nor Sundari.
Saifuddin, the Indera Mahkota incumbent MP, said all candidates should have taken the opportunity to explain to the public their personal and party manifestos.
"I was invited by an NGO to take part in the debate and I accepted the invitation with an open heart because this is the opportunity for candidates to explain their personal manifesto or the manifesto of the parties they represent.
"Therefore, it is regrettable that the three other candidates chose not to show up. I consider such debates important because it can improve the level of discussion in politics," he said in a video posted online on Wednesday (Nov 16).
Quek had said that his time was better spent meeting with voters while Zuraidi reportedly said such debates were better left to senior leaders.
Dr Mohamad Nor, who is an orthopaedic surgeon, also said he was not interested in taking part in any such debates.
Saifuddin said debates could open the door to new or knowledge-based politics where participants could find the best idea to develop Indera Mahkota.
"It also gives opportunity to the voters to evaluate the candidates because when elected, they have to debate in Parliament," he said.
Saifuddin added that he already had experience in debating as an MP, deputy minister and minister and was prepared to do it again, not only on the national level but internationally as well.
"In the end, we must be prepared to bring thoughtful ideas to the entire stage for the good of the people," he said.
