Kuantan, Nov 15 — Acting Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah today expressed his disappointment that the candidates vying for the Indera Mahkota seat did not attend the debate organized by a non-governmental organization (NGO).
He said all candidates should take the opportunity to debate in an effort to explain the current situation as well as provide clear details about their respective manifesto and party in order for the public to evaluate.
“I was invited by a non-governmental organization (NGO) to participate in this debate and I accepted the invitation with an open heart because this is an opportunity for all candidates to explain their manifesto or the party they represent or so on.”
“So, I regret that my three friends who are competing in Indera Mahkota chose not to come.”
“It can also provide an opportunity for new politics or knowledge politics for us to find the best ideas for the development of areas in Indera Mahkota,” he added.
The debate between the Indera Mahkota candidates was supposed to take place tonight at the Indera Mahkota Atabara Hall, organized by the NGO, Pertubuhan Wong Ser Warrior 294. The purpose of the debate was to comment, discuss and debate the current political scenario and manifesto among the candidates should they win the 15th General Election (GE15).
Apart from Saifuddin, the debate was initially planned to involve Barisan Nasional candidate, Datuk Quek Tai Seong and Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate, Zuraidi Ismail as well as Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) candidate, Dr. Mohamad Nor Sundari.
However, Tai Seong and Zuraidi reportedly stated that they were not interested in participating in the debate.
Saifuddin, who represents Perikatan Nasional (PN) explained that the debate also allows voters to evaluate the candidates because they can choose the people’s representatives who will debate in Parliament.
Adding that it is a very important opportunity for all candidates to explain the current situation for voters to evaluate, Saifuddin questioned the ability of candidates who are not interested in debating when that method becomes a must if they are in Parliament.
He said his previous experience as a member of Parliament, deputy minister and minister has proven his credibility as he not only has experience debating at the national level but also abroad.
“I am ready to debate because I have done it as a member of Parliament, deputy minister and minister not only on the national stage but also on the international level because in the end parliamentarians must be ready to bring brilliant ideas to the whole stage and stage for the good of the people,” he explained.
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