PETALING JAYA: Civil debates should be conducted more frequently so there is political maturity among Malaysians, says the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0).

       Its chairman Thomas Fann said a culture of political debates need to be inculcated in the country.

       "Similar opportunities should also be given to parties and candidates in the upcoming Melaka election," he said.

       Malaysian Youth Council president Jufitri Joha said as the country moves towards a mature, rational and authoritative new political scene, civil debates should be done based on facts rather than emotions.

       "Leaders must be open and willing to agree to disagree.

       "Civil debate is not about determining a winner but to find the truth and correct mistakes for the benefit of the people," he said.

       Centre for Research, Advisory and Technology (Create) founder and chief executive officer Ng Yeen Seen said a healthy democracy is predicated on the citizens' ability to deliberate and espouse their opinions and grievances.

       "On this basis, the Malaysian electorate will slowly realise that our political leaders must offer more than lies and deceptions and personal attacks.

       "A more informed electorate will demand and expect political leaders to make their stance on policies and be accountable to what they pledged during the election campaign,' she said.

       Ng also said it was better for political discourse to take place – either online or offline – than no debate at all.

       Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said controversial issues that do not touch on race and religion should be discussed on televised debates as it will help Malaysians understand the issues better and form their own opinions.

       Lee said the debate between Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng was a good start.

       He said this would enable Malaysians to have a better understanding of current issues, especially controversial matters.

       He said more opportunities should be created for political leaders to engage in debates.

       "If this can be worked out, it can provide opportunities for leaders of political parties to debate issues for GE15.

       "It will bring us to a new political landscape and bring our election campaigning to the next level.

       "Political parties can present and outline their policies and the people can have a better assessment of it before voting," he said.

       Other debates involving politicians include the then-information minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek taking on PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in 2008 and the two debates between then MCA president Tan Sri Dr Chua Soi Lek and Lim in 2012.

       Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin had also debated PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli in the past.

       On Tuesday (Nov 2) night, Dr Wee and Lim debated on the National Cabotage Policy, which was broadcast on live television and livestreamed on social media platforms.

       Introduced in January 1980, the cabotage policy for cable repair works was revoked by the former Pakatan Harapan government in April 2019, which exempted vessels involved in submarine cable repair and maintenance work from having to apply for a domestic shipping licence.

       The cabotage policy was reintroduced by Dr Wee on Nov 16, 2020.