Sunday February 19, 2012

Large crowd jostles for space outside forum hall

KUALA LUMPUR: A large crowd turned up to watch the highly-anticipated debate between Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek and Lim Guan Eng, jostling for space in the area outside the forum hall at Berjaya Times Square Hotel.

Some sat on the carpeted floor to watch the debate via a projector screen while others stood.

The crowd cheered, clapped or booed as they watched the action on the screen during the hour-long debate.

Both political opponents, who looked supremely confident, were clad in smart black jackets with nary a hair out of place.

Law students Christine Kerk and Chan Wei Hao, both 22, said they were from Batu Pahat the same town where Dr Chua and Lim grew up.

“We graduated from the same high school as both of them. They can be considered our seniors,” said Kerk.

Chan said it was a good idea to allow the public to judge for themselves Dr Chua and Lim's performance.

“I'm looking forward to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak versus Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,” he added.

Full house: People watching the debate outside the forum hall at Berjaya Times Square Hotel in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Lee Zhi Shyong, 23, said he was not on anyone's side.

“I want to hear views from both sides before deciding during the general election,” the first-time voter said.

A woman who only wanted to be known as Lee, 62, said she had walked in the rain from her house to the forum hall.

“I want to fight for my future generation,” she said.

Dr Chua and Lim enjoyed equal support from those present.

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