Onn Hafiz says no to debate with PH’s Maszlee Malik

PETALING JAYA: Johor Barisan Nasional chairman Onn Hafiz Ghazi has turned down a challenge to debate Pakatan Harapan’s Puteri Wangsa candidate Maszlee Malik ahead of the state polls.

Onn Hafiz, who is BN’s candidate for Machap, said Johor’s political culture has always prioritised decorum, harmony and orderly debate rather than public verbal sparring, BuletinTV3 reported.

“I don’t think the Johor way is to engage in verbal sparring or hold open debates. If you look at our state assembly sittings, that’s not how things are. They are harmonious, orderly and conducted with proper decorum.

“Sometimes, open debates attract campaign teams and supporters who become even more emotional than the individuals taking part in the debate.

“So, as far as I’m concerned, we have no issue with debates, but in the context of this election, an open debate is not appropriate,” he told reporters after attending the Prison Family Day programme at Kampung Paya Mas, Simpang Renggam.

On June 23, Maszlee, a former education minister, accepted a challenge to debate caretaker Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz ahead of the state election.

Maszlee said many people had talked to him about the challenge issued by Facebook page WOW Malaysia to debate Onn Hafiz.

Yesterday, Maszlee reiterated his readiness to debate Onn Hafiz to present his vision and champion the interests of all Johoreans.