No need for deputy president hopefuls to debate, say PKR leaders
Haspaizi Zain
Published: May 16, 2025 12:38 PM
Updated: 2:38 PM
Summary
- PKR grassroots leaders question the need for an open debate between deputy president hopefuls Rafizi Ramli and Nurul Izzah Anwar.
- Concerns exist that such debates might create divisions within the party during internal election.
- Some leaders suggest that candidate dialogues with grassroots members are more effective than open debates for conveying ideas.
Several PKR grassroots leaders have expressed reservations over calls for an open debate between deputy president hopefuls Rafizi Ramli and Nurul Izzah Anwar, warning that it could lead to deeper divisions within the party.
Kuala Terengganu PKR division chief Azan Ismail said while debates are not foreign to the party’s culture, they are better suited for general elections rather than internal contests.
“An open debate between two candidates to compare individuals would only give room for (members) to take sides, whereas we are only holding party election,” he told Malaysiakini.
Titiwangsa PKR division chief Syed Badli Shah Syed Osman argued that such a platform would be unfair to Nurul Izzah, as Rafizi would have an advantage by virtue of being the incumbent.
Titiwangsa PKR division chief Syed Badli Shah Syed Osman
“As the current deputy president, of course, Rafizi has the upper hand because he already knows the ins and outs of the party’s administration from having held the post for one term,” he said.
Syed Badli said the contest between the two does not warrant a debate to showcase their strengths.
“A debate is not necessary at this time. We (PKR) are all competing under the same party.
“If the candidates want to communicate their ideas, it’s better to hold direct dialogues with grassroots members - that would be far more effective,” he added.
What’s more important, according to Syed Badli, is for both candidates to present their mission and vision directly to party members on the ground.
Not needed
Rafizi had earlier expressed his willingness to debate Nurul Izzah to help ease the rising tension during the campaign period, but said a neutral third party should organise the event.
Nurul Izzah, however, has yet to show any inclination to accept the proposal.
Wangsa Maju PKR Youth chief Arief Izuadin also shared the view that a debate is not needed and that avoiding one could help preserve party unity.
“Not having a debate is also a way to cool things down among party members.
“So, the main priority for the grassroots right now is to strengthen the party’s unity in preparation for the 16th general election,” he said.
“As the current deputy president, of course, Rafizi has the upper hand because he already knows the ins and outs of the party’s administration from having held the post for one term,” he said.
Syed Badli said the contest between the two does not warrant a debate to showcase their strengths.
“A debate is not necessary at this time. We (PKR) are all competing under the same party.
“If the candidates want to communicate their ideas, it’s better to hold direct dialogues with grassroots members - that would be far more effective,” he added.
What’s more important, according to Syed Badli, is for both candidates to present their mission and vision directly to party members on the ground.
Not needed
Rafizi had earlier expressed his willingness to debate Nurul Izzah to help ease the rising tension during the campaign period, but said a neutral third party should organise the event.
Nurul Izzah, however, has yet to show any inclination to accept the proposal.
Wangsa Maju PKR Youth chief Arief Izuadin also shared the view that a debate is not needed and that avoiding one could help preserve party unity.
“Not having a debate is also a way to cool things down among party members.
“So, the main priority for the grassroots right now is to strengthen the party’s unity in preparation for the 16th general election,” he said.
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kt comments:
You don't have to be a rocket scientist to guess that pro Nurul advocates object to having a debate, wakakaka.
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