(an open letter to Prime Minister Najib)
Dear PM Najib,
As we are all acutely aware of, it has been nearly five years since the 12th General Election in 2008. We believe that it will not be long before the YAB will request for the dissolution of Parliament and seek for a fresh mandate.
We are thus writing this letter to request for a debate between you and Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, as representatives of both the ruling and opposition coalition.
Our reasons for wanting such a debate are simple. Firstly, we the Rakyat of Malaysia want to hear the stands of our potential leaders on the various national policies and issues. We believe that this would help us, as the electorate, to better identify the best leader for our nation.
We believe that a debate between such eminent personalities as yourself and Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim from both sides of the political divide would be an excellent platform for the presentation of such policies.
In addition, such an event would also gift the Rakyat with invaluable insights into the personalities and characters of both candidates.
Constructive political debates on national policies are very much a viable possibility in Malaysia and precedent can be found in the recent debate between Rafizi and Khairy Jamaluddin. Compelling arguments were advanced by both sides on the feasibility of Free Tertiary Education and public response clearly shows that such debates would be warmly applauded by all Malaysians alike.
By participating in a televised debate, public perception on the fairness of the coming election will also be drastically improved as both parties would be granted an equal opportunity in presenting the policies of their respective parties to what would most certainly be the largest audience ever in the nation.
It is also in accordance with the spirit of democracy if people are allowed to make informed decision as to who should take charge of the nation, in full knowledge of the parties’ political ideologies.
Instead of political violence and personal attacks between politicians, we hope to see a culture of political debates in Malaysia. By promoting a nation where constructive political debates can be held without fear or favour, we would be taking a small but significant step towards becoming a truly progressive nation.
Malaysians are certainly ready for that day to come.
We hope that you will give serious consideration to our well-intentioned suggestion.
Sincerely,
Concerned citizen of Malaysia
* DEMA’s Facebook page : Malaysia Youth & Student Democratic Movement (DEMA)
