MUAR: Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) is ready to provide a live broadcast platform for an interactive debate should caretaker Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi agree to face Pakatan Harapan candidate for the Puteri Wangsa state seat, Dr Maszlee Malik.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the dialogue could be held at any time and at any mutually agreed venue, including in Johor Baru, with discussions focusing on Johor’s development agenda and future.
The Pakatan Communications Director also said the platform was not meant for political sparring or partisan debate, but instead to facilitate an exchange of ideas on the state's development agenda.
"There is still time. If necessary, I am ready to provide a platform on RTM TV1 for Dr Maszlee and Datuk Onn Hafiz to hold a dialogue. We can discuss the issues in a respectful manner, and I believe Onn Hafiz will be willing to engage with Dr Maszlee,” he told reporters here.
He was commenting on calls by some quarters for Pakatan to name its Mentri Besar candidate before agreeing to any debate or dialogue.
Fahmi said that the ability to face differing views and criticism professionally is an important quality a leader must have for the state's future progress.
He also commended Maszlee for his openness in holding an interactive dialogue with 41 youths to discuss the state’s future aspirations.
Commenting on the setting of polling day for the 16th Johor state election in mid-month, Fahmi urged young voters to set aside any logistical challenges and turn out to fulfil their responsibility in deciding Johor’s development direction over the next five years.
Maszlee will face Barisan Nasional’s Teow Chia Ling, Nicholas Paul Vincent of Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama), Rashifa Aljunied of the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) and independent candidate Wang Wee Seong in a race for Puteri Wangsa.
Meanwhile, Machap incumbent Onn Hafiz (BN) will face Pakatan’s Nor Hafiz Roslan in a straight fight.
Polling day for the Johor state election has been set for July 11, with early voting on July 7. - Bernama
