SPECULATION on the next general election has been ongoing since last year. It will be one of the most unpredictable elections as new parties have been formed, as has been a new opposition coalition, Pakatan Harapan with former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the chair, and jailed opposition chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as de facto leader. This adds a new dimension to the current political spectrum in the country.
 
As we are all aware, mass media is a key tool for the people to be informed about the performance of their politicians and it has a powerful influence on their political choices. Political party ownership and control of mainstream Malaysian media, however, have led to electoral decision-making that is based on inadequate information.
 
The Nothing to Hide 2.0 forum last week turned chaotic when individuals in the crowd started to throw chairs, shoes, water bottles and flares at the stage when Dr Mahathir, who is also Bersatu chairman, was answering questions from the floor on the Memali incident.
 
It is most unfortunate that we have come to this. The forum was meant to be a public debate between Dr Mahathir and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who did not attend. While the blame game between members of Pakatan and ruling Malay party Umno is well in progress, the eruption of violence at the forum reveals a crucial need for us to open up to political debate.
 
Prior to the 13th general election, there had been calls for Najib to accept the challenge posed by the opposition to debate on policy issues so that Malaysians could make their own evaluations before casting their votes. The Nothing to Hide forum was then cancelled at the last minute by the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar citing “public order and national harmony.”
 
The current political scene is clearly dividing Malaysians – you are either with BN or Pakatan.  Last week’s fracas triggers the question – what is the value and relevance of such a debate in the country? Why does debate matter?
 
Most importantly, debate allows the people to hear arguments from both sides. It is particularly significant in view of the imbalanced media channels that we have. Moreover, debate also allows the people to get to know the differences in policies, while providing an opportunity for us, the voters to determine which way to vote.  
 
To me, last week’s fracas serves as a reminder that we should start seeing political debate as a source of information. Cynicism may run deep because of political hiccups, but we need to beware of gettng trapped in political fatigue.
 
A vibrant and creative society is where open discussion can take place freely. Debate should always be promoted, even if we may not agree with the arguments.
 
The measure of a leader is often tested during a crisis. Silence is not always golden and it is more so at this point of time, when all eyes are on the country. It is unfortunate that our leaders choose to stay away from open debate. If we wish to champion ourselves as a moderate and democratic country, we should always be ready to be confronted and be antagonised, because at the end of the day, it is not just about democratising the politics of our country, but also our economy, accountability and integrity.

* Khoo Ying Hooi (PhD) is senior lecturer at the Department of International and Strategic Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Malaya.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.