The time for debates is over

The Malaysian Insight The Malaysian Insight Updated 7 years ago · Published on 22 May 2019 2:30PM · 3 Comments

Any debate between Najib Razak and Lim Kit Siang will be all theatre, where half-truths, wit and downright lies will be packaged for maximum effect. – The Malaysian Insight pic, May 22, 2019.

LIM Kit Siang has been in politics since 1966 while former prime minister Najib Razak made his debut a decade later in 1976. Both have had debates in Parliament for the past three decades, at least.

But a public debate; that is another thing. They now propose to have one on the subject of kleptocracy and integrity – subject to conditions and time availability for both. 

Of course, it is exciting to see these two veterans at it one more time, in public and beyond the stuffy and limited times of debating in Parliament.

After all, Kit Siang finally made it into Parliament on the winning side after nearly 50 years on the opposition bench. And Najib has the ignominy of being the first Barisan Nasional (BN) leader to lose government.

But this debate, if it ever happens, is a spectacle without value for Malaysia or Malaysians. What would come of it, really? Vindication for either one?

Content for each other’s social media machines? Words to fill the void of deeds in the past? A public accounting of misdeeds? 

Najib is an alleged kleptocrat, and his platform to defend or answer questions on 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), Strategic Resources Corporation (SRC) International or the Birkin bags is in court.

In court, the former prime minister will be cross-examined by seasoned lawyers and will not be allowed to get away with bombast or half-truths. 

There will perimeters closely shepherded by facts and evidence. This is a court of law, not a court of public opinion.

In contrast, the debate will be all theatre, where half-truths, wit and downright lies will be packaged for maximum effect. And both sides can claim victory – entertaining an audience that will be none the wiser but still the loser.

Kit Siang should know better; the time for debates is over. 

That time ended on May 9, 2018. He won, Najib lost. – May 22, 2019.

Sign up or sign in here to comment.

Comments

  • The ending part of this article is well written...hahaha

    Posted 7 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • All politicians are opportunist. Sezing up the situation to make good for themselves are their first choice in their schools of self serving. What ever the outcome of this debate hold no value to change anymore the percepion that has already imbedded to rakyat mind. The staged debate is none other than a cynical theatrical act , it is Najib last shot to revive his failing image and LKS adamancy in not loosing out a good debate for he has one more to skin and add to his shelves of collections. Anyway it is not proper for him to decline the challenge thrown

    Posted 7 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

  • Well put!

    Posted 7 years ago by Keat Peng Goh · Reply