MELAKA: The Banda Hilir car-free zone issue must remain in focus instead of being sidetracked by personal attacks or political exchanges.
Barisan Nasional candidate Jasmine Lok Huey Yee said the challenge for a public debate with incumbent Leng Chau Yen was initiated by her personally.
"Dr Wee subsequently expressed his support for my initiative," she said when met here on Sunday (Nov 1).
Jasmine said her intention was to have an open discussion on the car-free zone, particularly its impact on local traders, businesses and residents.
She said the public deserved clear explanations about the decisions made, the reasons behind them and how concerns raised by affected communities were being addressed.
Responding to DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke's accusation that Dr Wee was bullying Leng by challenging her to a debate despite her "personal challenges", Jasmine said, "it never came into our minds at all" to take advantage of the incumbent.
She noted that Leng had spoken at ceramahs, attended various programmes and engaged with non-governmental organisations over the past five years, including addressing audiences in multiple languages.
"We respect her as the incumbent and are supportive of her positive plans for the Bandar Hilir constituency, which is an important commercial hub in Melaka," she said.
Jasmine noted that the debate was not about questioning Leng's personal circumstances but providing a platform for both candidates to explain their positions on an issue affecting the constituency.
"We should always be compassionate towards someone's personal circumstances. At the same time, elected representatives have a responsibility to explain public decisions and address the concerns of the people they represent.
"Both compassion and accountability can go hand in hand," she said.
Jasmine said Bandar Hilir was a major commercial and tourism centre in Melaka, housing banks, offices, malls, restaurants and tourist attractions, making the economic impact of the car-free zone an important concern.
Quoting a Chinese proverb, she said, "Truth becomes clearer through debate."
Jasmine welcomed Leng's indication that she was willing to participate.
She also proposed three areas of focus: the objectives and implementation of the car-free zone, its impact on businesses, traders, traffic and residents, as well as practical solutions and possible improvements.
Jasmine also urged Loke not to divert public attention from the substantive issue by turning it into a dispute over personalities.
