Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Liow says ready for public debate


Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said today he was open to having a public debate with the other contenders vying for posts in Sunday’s party elections.

“I am open but it would depend on the issues,” said the incumbent MCA deputy president, who will be defending his post.

While saying that he was open to suggestions on the topics to debate, the health minister pointed out that the elections were an internal party affair.

Liow (picture) is facing Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha for the party’s No 2 job.

The call for a public debate came from delegates of the Pulai division, who wanted MCA presidential contenders to explain how they intend to solve issues affecting the party.

The three presidential contenders are incumbent Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, former deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek and former president Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting.

Dr Chua has already shot down the idea, saying that it was too late in the campaign to stage a public debate. 

However, he also said he did not mind participating in the debate, provided it served a purpose.

Meanwhile, Liow voiced concerned that money politics was being used to influence the outcome of the party elections, and welcomed the move by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to monitor campaigning.

He pointed out that MCA secretary-general, Datuk Wong Foon Meng, had already received complaints of money politics and added the unhealthy practice must be curbed before it destroys the party.

“I don’t know who lodged the complaints but I will check,” he concluded.

courtesy of Malaysian Insider

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