Let Them Have Their Say

AFTER much brouhaha on the highly anticipated public debate between former prime minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, the event has been canceled by the authorities.

Talks for a debate arose when Datuk Seri Nazri issued a challenge to Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and its chairman Tun Dr. Mahathir to an electoral fight in his constituency, Padang Rengas.

The former leader was of course keen to have his say and had scheduled for the debate to be held during his visit to the area.

Well as was widely reported, both Tun Dr. Mahathir and Datuk Seri Nazri did meet but merely for a photo op.

The overly talked about debate never panned out.

It was then agreed for the debate to be held on 7 April at the Dewan Sultan Muhammad Ke-5, Kompleks Karangkraf in Shah Alam.

Likewise this debate has been laid to rest by authorities who felt that it could create public disorder therefore leading to security concern as well.

The cancellation of the debate has led some to recall the Nothing2Hide forum that was supposed to take place back in April 2015.

Again the police had intervened in the matter.

Questions are now being raised as to whether the authorities have the right to halt the Tun Dr. Mahathir-Datuk Seri Nazri debate and if they were overreacting.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar is adamant that the police is acting within its jurisdiction.

While talk about the debate-that-never-happened will eventually die down it will not be forgotten.

It has left quite an impression on the public with those keeping tabs pointing to the fact that the ex-premier is leading 2-0.

Perhaps someone should be allowed to have an open debate with Tun Dr. Mahathir.

Then we can all move on.

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