Thursday, October 30, 2008

FRIDAY-31ST OCTOBER 2008-OPEN DEBATE HELPFUL IN POLLS:MASIDI


Open debate helpful in polls: Masidi


KOTA KINABALU:

An open debate, if held in a proper manner where rules are adhered to, can help members of a party and the electorate make a wise decision on which candidate they should support during an election. “We will have the chance to see whether the leaders have the qualities to become the right person for the post... however it should be done accordingly in a way that will not bring bad impact on the party as well as Barisan Nasional,” said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun. Masidi, who is Sabah Umno Assistant Secretary, was asked to comment on the suggestion by Datuk Shaifuddin Abdullah that an open debate be held for the leaders who wish to contest the post of Vice President in Umno. Speaking to reporters during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebration of Sabah Education Department here yesterday, Masidi said that through an open debate, Party members wouId also have the chance to choose a leader who not only has the ability to speak well in public but also has a concrete programme for the Party as well as the Country. “However, the open debate should not include criticizing other component parties of Barisan Nasional because if we criticize them, it is also the same if they criticize BN which will bring bad impact on Umno itself,” he said.