Hari ini jadi Perdana Menteri Esok Harga Minyak Turun

This was the title of the debate between PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Datuk Ahmad Shabberry Cheek, the Information Minister. The latter actually stated that he would resign if he failed to defend the government's stand.

The debate methodology and rules reminded of school. There was one glaring mistake on the part of the MC, Datuk Johan Jaafar as he did not announce the victorious candidate between the two. Shabbery deviated more than Anwar did and the moderator did not play a good role in ensuring that the arguments were related to the topic.

Though a fresh face in the cabinet, I want to praise Shabberry Cheek for standing up against a personality who is no stranger to debates. On the whole I felt that Anwar's argument were much more convincing. It would have been better if Anwar faced off with Abdullah Badawi, the PM on these issues as the latter is also Finance Minister I.
Based on the polls ran by Malaysiakini, where 19,000 people voted and 95% are of the opinion that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had won the debate.

Live debates

For the first time in Malaysian history there is going to be an open debate between two political personalities from opposition camp. Organised by Agenda Daily, an online Bahasa news website, it will feature Ahmad Shabbery Cheek, the Information Minister and de facto Opposition Leader, Anwar Ibrahim who would be debating an issue that is close to all Malaysians - the 78 sen fuel price hike. Shabbery Cheek would be defending the government's decision to raise the prices whereas Anwar would propose for the end of raise in fuel prices. After all Anwar's main campaign these days is a pledge to reduce fuel pricesafter taking office as Malaysian premier.

TV3 is telecasting the program live on 15.7.2008. Personally I would prefeer Second Finance Minister to defend the government's stand. Anwar himself preferred to debate this issue with premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi or deputy premier, Najib Tun Razak. On another note, I hope that the host/chair would not disrupt the flow of the arguments that is laid put by both debaters.

Also I do hope that TV3 does not delay the telecast by 8 seconds as that would be enough time for the broadcasting company to snip off parts that are pro opposition. This is due to the fact that TV3 has been more effective as a propaganda tool for the Barisan Nasional government compared to TV3.