BY NEVILLE TIMOTHY SANDERS & FASIHA KHUSHIRI
KUCHING: Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be facing off against each other in a public debate tomorrow.
The debate came as the two politicians challenged each other over Sapura Energy, a government-linked company, which recently announced their losses of RM8.9 billion last year.
The row started when Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) deputy president hopeful Rafizi Ramli, who is also former Pandan MP, challenged Najib to a public debate on Sapura Energy.
However Najib replied that he would only take on the debate if it were Anwar; the latter accepted last month.
From a survey of our reporters, the response to the debate was lukewarm − some did not expect any positive impact from the debate, and some felt that the debate was a platform to show who is better at debating Malaysia’s future in terms of economic, political, social as well as various federal government issues.
Here are the views of some political analysts, academicians and the public on their expectations of the debate including the issues to be discussed as well as the possible takeaways.
KHAIRUL AFIQ, 29, PUBLIC SERVANT
To be honest, the debate will be centred on political viewpoints, with each side having its own agenda. What I see is that Anwar will be more likely to collaborate with his preferred party and be more sceptical, whereas Najib will be more attentive and concerned about Malaysia’s future, but unfortunately his subordinates would reject his leadership.
Both, in my opinion, should be able to collaborate to guarantee that Malaysia has solid corporate governance, is competitive with other countries and has a stable political environment.
NURJANNAH BAIZURA, 31, STUDENT
The debate is believed to provide an opportunity for Malaysians to evaluate and celebrate different ideas, arguments and views in a peaceful atmosphere, which reflects a mature political culture, as many people are waiting for this public debate.
JAYUM JAWAN, 64, PROFESSOR
Not much can be gained from listening to debates from these two political leaders, who have the opportunity to rule the country. For me, it is preferable that we, as Malaysians, do not focus too much on this topic and instead move on (for a brighter future).
Let the new generation carry out their responsibilities and give them a chance to prove their abilities in leading the country. To ensure that the country is not always in the same niche, always give support and opportunities to the new government to lead the country.
MOHD FADZIL ABD RAHMAN, 57, PROFESSOR
Honestly, for me, this debate is unimportant as there is no other big issue to be discussed other than Sapura Energy. It is better to have discussions in different forums. I think only their loyal followers want to watch this debate.
What is the benefit to us, even if they wish to prove something? I want to see them debate about the future of Malaysia. If they truly want a discussion, have one similar to the presidential debate in the United States, where we can hear leaders share their plans for the country, such as how to restore Malaysia’s greatness and so on.
AWANG AZMAN AWANG PAWI, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
This debate, in my opinion, will give two different perspectives where from Najib’s side, he will definitely say something that will save Sapura Energy while, Anwar will definitely want to see the issue in a broader context. This debate must be done transparently in order to benefit the people. From there, the people can evaluate which facts are more relevant.
AMMAR REDZA AHMAD RIZAL, LECTURER
Both parties have nothing to lose and because it is a public debate, they will almost surely gain popularity. The outcome will also not be a problem; both parties will undoubtedly come up with brilliant ideas. We welcome greater debate as well as public discussion, and both parties will be held accountable for their ideas in this public debate.
