POLITICAL DEBATE: A Positive Shift in Political Climate in Malaysia? Really?

Political debates have been the recent public interest especially in Malaysia. Some people assumed that political debates are just tools of selling propagandas and stands to the public as the 13^th General Election date will be announced in any time soon. Such opinion is neither right nor wrong. People have the right to speak out their opinions. But, the BIG QUESTION is, IS POLITICAL DEBATE BRINGS POSITIVE CHANGE TO THE POLITICAL ARENA?

Malaysia may not be the first to practice open debates, neither the last too. Open debates have been practice by many other country to fight for their stands. This mostly used by political leaders especially when the election is getting close to date.

It is getting to be a trend for political practitioners to hold debates with their opponents to fight against certain issues from the grassroots. Recently, on the 22^nd May 2012, two young men in the political arena had a debate on the issue of PTPTN. It is none than other; Debat Sinar Harian, between Pemuda UMNO Chief, Khairy Jamaluddin and PKR Strategic Director, Rafizi Ramli.

For those who haven't watch the debate, here is the link to the full version of the PTPTN debate:

DEBAT PTPTN: Khairy Jamaluddin VS Rafizi Ramli

Some might say it is pointless to have such debate.  From my personal opinion, it is a positive shift in the political paradigm. Reason being, both speakers were given EQUAL CHANCE to speak, EQUAL CHANCE to rebut and EQUAL access to the audience and the media for that particular time. In reference to that debate, some facts and figures were spoken out by both speakers. It is not about winning or losing BUT it is about delivering the right information to the audiences. Certain facts might have been spinned, intensified or even omitted but the audience will have the chance of evaluating both speakers.

Even before the PTPTN debates, there were other political debates such as Datuk Ambiga VS Khairy Jamaluddin, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim VS Datuk Seri Shabery Cheek and many other debates.

You may watch the full version of this debate here:

THE MALAY MAIL DEBATE: Khairy Jamaluddin VS Datuk S. Ambiga

You may watch this video in YOUTUBE. There are 8 parts in total :)

Political scenes in Malaysia should not be stagnant or stationary but it must move in line with the economical developments of Malaysia. One thing that is deeming true, the rakyat today is getting wiser and the need to be fed with information by respective parties is a must. Open debate is one of the ways to do so. It is just a harmless way to disseminate information to the public.

Debates should be taken as something positive towards the political developments in Malaysia. Political stage is never impaired but it revolves from time to time. Take this as an constructive advantage not a destructive downside. 

Peace Malaysia!