MALAYSIANS have nothing to gain from the debate next month between Anwar Ibrahim and Najib Razak as the two leaders are just out discredit to one another, analysts said.

They told The Malaysian Insight that the topic of the debate was too “heavy” for the common audience and would not attract much attention.

They noted both men would try their best to ridicule the other without addressing more pressing issues such as the state of the economy and the future of the country.

Anwar will debate Najib on May 12 at Dewan Tunku Canselor in Universiti Malaya. The two will argue Sapura Energy Bhd’s financial woes, whether it needs to be saved, and the country’s economy, politics, and administration.

Sapura Energy, a government-linked company, announced a loss of RM8.9 billion last year, which Najib said was the largest in history for such an entity. It is his view that the government should bail out the company.

Ilham Centre executive director Hisomuddin Bakar said the debate was a “war of personalities” rather than a debate over ideas.

He said the event was merely to serve the two men’s self-image.

“Debates are uncommon in Malaysia and when they are held, they are not based on ideas, nor do they have clear objectives.

“Here it is more to ridicule each other, express cynicism, and stoke enmity.

“This debate is just a personality war between Anwar and Najib, about who’s better at debating. The issue is complicated and the man on the street will not be interested in watching. Only their supporters will get excited.

“Also both men are trying to stay relevant as the two are now lagging in contemporary politics. Rather than say no, to avoid being called a coward, the two men accepted the challenge,” Hisomuddin said.

Najib has had many invitations to debate and has also challenged several to the same.

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has asked Najib to debate the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal but the Pekan MP declined.

In 2011, Anwar challenged Najib to debate the then Pakatan Rakyat coalition in the lead-up to the 2013 general election. Najib dismiss the challenge as a waste of time.

Universiti Malaya’s Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the upcoming debate would be filled with rhetoric and populist statements.

He said the winner would be the one who has been more derisive of the other.

“The debate is not going to benefit anyone because firstly, the topic is not related to the masses; secondly, both men are not in the cabinet. Changes can only happen if the two are a part of the government,” Awang Azman said.

“They will have a go at each other and the winner will be the one who comes out more sarcastic. It would be better for them to debate the issue in parliament,” said the academic.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Dr Mazlan Ali said Najib has fallen into the trap set by PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli, who had issued the original debate challenge.

He said in an attempt to show his confidence, Najib dared Anwar instead to a debate.

“Najib is quite popular these days on social media; he feels confident and if you look at his posts, you will see that he replies to anyone who tries to discredit him,” Mazlan said.

“To show off, he challenged Anwar instead. Both men will try to humiliate each other rather than state facts.

“Rather than to solve issues such as the high cost of living, the debate is just an opportunity for both men to show off”. – April 20, 2022.