FRESH DEBATE CHALLENGE: Tan Kai (centre), with (from left) Tnay, Foo and Yap showing the leaflets on the debate between the two candidates of Bandar Kuching. Also seen is Dr Sim (far right).
KUCHING: BN-SUPP Bandar Kuching candidate Tan Kai has issued a fresh challenge to his opponent from DAP Chong Chieng Jen to a two-topic debate, on May 4.
He said since Chong had rejected his invitation to debate (on May 2 at 7pm at Kuching
Town Hall) on the topic ‘Whether the implementation of Islamic law will affect the non-Muslim’, the organiser had decided to offer a second topic, ‘How to uphold a clean and just future government of Malaysia’ on top of the first topic, making it a debate of dual topics.
Tan pointed out that the second topic offered by the organiser is relevant as it applies no matter if
it is BN or PR which rules the country after the general election.
The ‘second’ two-topic debate is scheduled for this coming Saturday (May 4) at Premier 101 Commercial Centre, with the format of the debate as well as its rules and regulations remaining unchanged.
“I understand too well why Chong had denied my sincere invitation earlier on because when it comes to debating on such topic, he has no grounds to defend himself.”
Tan said to suit Chong’s needs, his election team has made rearrangements and therefore, they are looking forward to the latter’s participation so that both candidates can state their political views openly in front of the people.
“We have made an adjustment by adding an extra topic as he had requested. We hope to get his reply in 24 hours. We try to be accommodative and fair to him; hence, we hope that he will stop avoiding us by taking up the challenge.”
Tan noted that there is no escape for Chong in debating about Islamic law considering that it is the main subject in the 13th General Election.
He said both parties would have to come to an agreement on the moderator as the person must be impartial.
Meanwhile, Tan’s election campaign agent Wilfred Yap condemned the action of certain quarters in vandalising a BN billboard nearby KMC flats in Jalan Ban Hock.
“We do not want to accuse anyone but we condemn this kind of act. We will not be lodging a complaint to the Election Commission and police this time but if they do it again, we’ll take action.”
Also present at the press conference were SUPP secretary general Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, women chief Tnay Li Ping and legal advisor Milton Foo. #myvote13 #ge13