MELAKA: Barisan Nasional's Kota Laksamana candidate Melvin Chua has accepted DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke's challenge for candidates from both sides to engage in public debates, inviting incumbent Low Chee Leong to face him in an open discussion on local issues.
"I accept the challenge and hope the Pakatan Harapan candidate, Low Chee Leong, will be ready to meet me.
"I am prepared to discuss any community-related matters and share my views.
"If there are issues he wishes to debate, I am also ready," he told a press conference after the launch of Barisan Nasional's Kota Laksamana polling district machinery on Sunday night (Nov 1).
Chua said one of the key issues he wanted to raise was whether Low had fulfilled the promises made in Pakatan Harapan's previous election manifesto.
He questioned how many of the pledges made during the 2021 state election had been delivered, saying the incumbent should account for his performance over the past five years.
"If I make promises in my election manifesto, I will work to fulfil them and provide an update on my progress.
"I hope he can also do the same and explain how many of the promises made from 2021 until now have been fulfilled and which remain outstanding," he said.
When asked, Chua cited recurring flash floods in Pengkalan Rama and questioned what measures had been taken to address the problem.
He said residents had repeatedly heard explanations involving floodgates not being opened and river water flowing back into the area, but wanted to know whether a lasting solution had been found.
"Is there a solution to this problem after all these years? Are we simply going to leave it unresolved?
"Residents have lived in the area for decades, yet some have had to leave their homes because of the flooding. I hope he will address this and explain the situation to the voters."
Chua said the flooding problem was among several local concerns he wanted to raise, adding that he would highlight other issues in due course.
He urged Low to respond to the invitation so both candidates could arrange a venue and date for the debate.
Loke, on Sunday, challenged MCA to engage DAP candidates in debates across constituencies, after criticising MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong for supporting a proposed debate between Bandar Hilir candidates Jasmine Lok Huey Yee of MCA and Leng Chau Yen of DAP.
Low has represented Kota Laksamana since 2018 and is seeking another term in the Nov 14 Melaka state election.
