PETALING JAYA: A much-publicised debate between a minister and a PAS leader has shown the way for Malaysians to publicly discuss contentious issues in a mature and civilised manner, say analysts.
This practice could be a way forward to seek solutions to thorny social, religious cultural, economic and political issues, they said, adding that respectful discussions and debates contribute to a healthy democracy.
In fact, it is high time that an emerging democracy like Malaysia encouraged public, televised debates between opposing politicians as the culture is widespread in mature democracies, the political scientists said.
Once the culture is entrenched, the public can then discuss controversial issues in order to find solutions for them, they added.
On Aug 9, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli took on PAS’ assistant secretary-general and Bachok MP Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman in a debate on the economy, which was televised live.
Universiti Sains Malaysia senior lecturer Dr Azmil Mohd Tayeb said political debates encourage transparency about politicians’ and political parties’ policy objectives and agenda.
“Political debates can only be good for democracy – only if the focus is on substance, not personal or on sentiments. Political parties should use the platform provided by debates to showcase their capability to govern if they are elected,” he said.
Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Dr Oh Ei Sun said debates are timely as modern electoral politics is all about transparency and engagement.
“As such, potential PM candidates should engage in debate with one another to clarify their policy positions. It’s actually long overdue in this media age.
“It will help to shift attention from local to national concerns, as local concerns should be addressed by state and local governments,” he added.
International Islamic University Malaysia’s Dr Tunku Mohar Tunku Mohd Mokhtar said debates can enlighten the people about the political position of leaders from both sides of the divide on issues of common concern.
“I think political debates should be a part of our culture, and should also be televised live,” he said.
Tunku Mohar cited the 2022 debate between former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who was then Opposition leader, as an example of a good debate between personalities of equal standing.
“When the debaters aren’t of equal standing, for example Anwar-Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek (then Communications and Multimedia Minister) in 2008 and Rafizi-Syahir recently, such debates would be lopsided and won’t do much good for the viewers,” he said.
Political leaders should be prepared to articulate complex issues, defend their positions and rebut counter-arguments to find solutions to problems.
“Instead of dismissing debates as not part of our culture, politicians should help develop them as part of a healthy culture of a mature democracy,” he added.
Tunku Mohar said that once the culture is established, the public will be prepared to discuss even controversial issues in a civilised manner.
