To debate or not

Lim Si Pin, son of Lim Keng Yiak, is a BN candidate from Gerakan running for Batu parliamentary seat. He was recently quoted by TheSun newspaper that debate is a waste of time and energy. He was also quoted that debate is a western culture. He quoted this as a response to his opposition Tian Chua of PKR on holding a public debate.

I find his reply odd. I read that he is a double degree holder in economics and law from Yale University, and holds masters in finance and banking from Wales University. I thought debate exists as long as language does. Even in my secondary school, we all had debates. Not to mention in university too. Debates can sharpen one's mind. To say debate is a waste of time is wrong. How many degrees does this guy holds? Does this mean that he'll going to sit quiet in Dewan Rakyat and be a 'yes' man? It is either this guy is (1) too arrogant (2) his manhood is smaller than my 2B pencil (3) no idea where he stands (4) all the above, to present himself and argue his point across intelligently. A person as 'intelligent' as he, should know better. To say that debate is a waste of time and energy is really an insult to voters' intelligence, at least that is how i felt. To say debate is a western culture is also wrong. Television comes from western culture too, does this mean that we shouldn't watch the idiot box? What about handshakes?

To reject a public debate is to deny public access to his person's thoughts/direction for the voters in this constituency.

On another hand, MCA candidate for Bukit Bintang parliamentary seat, Dr Lee Chong Meng agrees to hold a public debate with incumbent DAP candidate Fong Kui Lun. Taken from TheEdgeDaily, Dr Lee said debate is not publicity seeking but a forum for voters to judge the candidates based on their ability, achievements and ability to tackle tough issues. He added, “The debate will not only save people’s time but it will also provide an avenue for the candidates to answer all questions raised by their opponent."

Now Si Pin, that is what I call leadership. One that doesn't shrink on responsibility. No one said election is a smooth-sailing-walk-in-the-park even though this seat seems to be a shoe-in for you. Now please go all out and be the man of the hour and stop hiding behind someone's shadow.