Political "live" debates? Why not?

Now that the MCA party election is over. As I was having my breakfast last Sunday, a professional woman in her middle age was in jubilant mood when she told the news that Dr Chua Soi Lek had clinched the deputy president post in the second biggest component party within the Barisan Nasional coalition.

Despite his DVD sex scandal which costs Soi Lek his political career where he relinquished his ministerial and all party posts taking full responsibility for his “caught in the act” action, his quick comeback to the mainstream politics is something which is beyond anyone’s guess.

To many of us, including some political observers, his high flying political career was already at the dead end for his so-called sinful act which may not go down well with certain quarters.

And then there was this supposedly live debate for the presidential and deputy presidential hopefuls ala US presidential election style to be telecast on NTV7 which was aired albeit recorded few nights prior to the MCA party election.

And there I glued myself on my 29-inches television set watching how those political aspirants debated in English and Mandarin as well as putting forward their aspirations, visions and thoughts from politics, economy to social issues.

With the political tsunami hitting the country in the March 8 general election and jolting hard on the Barisan Nasional coalition, change becomes imminent if the governing coalition is to remain relevant and continue to govern the nation.

Kudos of course must be given to the organiser of the debate and of course the candidates for taking a big step as this small step of standing in front facing the audience, though in an auditorium or studio, but aired all over the nation, articulating their thoughts is making a whole lots of difference in the Malaysian politics.

Malaysians from across the divides could see for themselves what these politicians have to say on issues facing the country and how they are going to effect changes, not only in party politics but also the nation at large.

Many friends, both in the political and social circles have given their thumbs up to English educated Soi Lek for his articulation on issues in his impeccable English and near perfect Mandarin which may have swung him quite a chunk of votes from the delegates in the MCA party election, what more to say people on the street, like my professional woman friend who is impressed with Soi Lek, not for the wrong reason but for his ability to convey his thoughts and aspirations in no uncertain terms.

Coming back closer to our home state, many are wondering whether they could see something similar among our politicians debating in of course cordial and professional manners and discourse while keeping tantrums in check after the so-called “viewing exposure” to the Anwar Ibrahim and Shabery Chik or Soi Lek and Donald Lim debates.

Looking at the calendar of events, perhaps the next political party in the state to hold its delegates conference or some people may fond of calling it party election is SUPP in the middle of December.

Of course now it is too early to say whether this Chinese dominant party will see any changes in its top echelon leadership, emulating its brethren, MCA across the South China Sea despite the president, Dr George Chan Hong Nam who contracted two years ago to step down this year.

SUPP organising secretary, Peter Chin Fah Kui had described the just concluded MCA party election that of its change of leadership as usual and that it must take place from time to time for the betterment of a party. Well said and a respected statement by a seasoned politician.

He further said the delegates made their decisions and used their voting power to effect change.

So, the point is here. Regardless of whether there will be change or status quo in the party, which is seen as representing the Chinese community in the state, though being a multi racial in nature, the way the party holds itself up in the eyes of the public has to change.

Taking leave from what MCA political aspirants had done through the live debate, a SUPP youth leader is both full of electrics and enthusiasm that he could see such debate for any aspirants hoping to offer himself or herself for higher positions within the party.

That, according to him is the way forward for this party to move with changing time and to regain the lost grounds and give people a new hope before it confronts the state election due in 2011.

And just before my friend was leaving from the table where we had our breakfast on that beautiful Sunday, a spoiler in her mood for the day was just that of someone who spoke unprofessionally and threw tantrums for no good reason.

So, any takers for the live debate? I am no pessimist though and am keeping my fingers crossed for one to take shape. At least we in Sarawak could see a change.