Anwar proposes public debate among Melaka CM candidates

PETALING JAYA: Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has proposed a debate to be held among chief ministerial candidates ahead of the Melaka state election.

“I am confident that this proposal is the best way in raising Malaysia’s name as an example of a healthy and mature democracy,” the Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman said in a statement on Facebook.

Of the three contesting coalitions, only PH and Barisan Nasional (BN) have named their chief ministerial candidates, with PH selecting its state chairman, Adly Zahari, and BN opting for Sulaiman Md Ali, both of whom have previously held the post.

Perikatan Nasional has yet to reveal its pick, with Bersatu information chief Wan Saiful Wan Jan saying today the bloc would decide on its candidate once it secures victory in the polls. Discussions have, however, started.

Anwar also welcomed the government’s intention to offer all candidates, regardless of political affiliation, equal coverage on government media channels.

Due to Covid-19 considerations, ceramahs, house visits and public gatherings have been banned, with parties required to pivot to other means of campaigning such as on social media. — Free Malaysia Today