MELAKA: The Bandar Hilir zoning issue can be discussed through other means besides a formal debate, as long as the concerns affecting the people are brought into the open, says Barisan Nasional candidate Jasmine Lok Huey Yee.
The MCA candidate said she was prepared to engage her DAP rival Leng Chau Yen in a more informal Facebook Live discussion, following controversy over her earlier invitation for an open debate.
“In light of Anthony Loke’s update on Leng’s condition, and out of respect for her circumstances, I would like to extend a renewed invitation to Leng for a discussion via Facebook Live, under a much simpler and more flexible format,” she said in a statement on Monday (Nov 2).
Under the proposed arrangement, Jasmine would raise questions concerning Bandar Hilir and surrounding constituencies, while Leng would have an equal opportunity to respond and put forward her own questions.
“There would be no rigid debating format, allowing both sides to engage in a constructive and meaningful exchange of views,” she said.
Jasmine maintained that the discussion was not about political recognition or determining which candidate had stronger debating skills, acknowledging that Leng might even be a better debater.
“Ultimately, this is not about who debates better or who emerges victorious. It is about putting the interests of the rakyat first and providing them with an opportunity to better understand the issues affecting their daily lives,” she said.
Jasmine also expressed regret upon learning of Leng’s speech impediment following a statement by DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke.
“I wish to make it clear that I have absolutely no intention of bullying Leng, nor do I believe that my invitation could reasonably be construed as an attempt to do so,” she said.
She clarified that MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong had merely supported her invitation and had never personally challenged Leng to a debate, contrary to claims by certain politicians.
Loke had earlier accused Dr Wee of attempting to bully Leng by taking advantage of her speech impediment.
