Soo cannot wait to debate with Pandikar on MA63

KUCHING: State Reform Party (STAR) Sarawak president Lina Soo says she is raring to go for an open debate with Parliament Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

She believes everyone - herself, Sarawakians, Sabahans, the local media - all recognise how important the MA63 is.

She said she was not only well prepared, but was also energised and eager to defend the importance of MA63 in front of the audience and Pandikar on December 23.

“I can't wait to knock him out. The only question now is - will he show up for the debate?

“If he doesn't show up, I might have to debate with the chair. Pandikar must show up or he would be showing the whole nation that he is not a man of his word,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.

Soo said she is already at the top of her game, having read books related to the formation of Malaysia as well as the Federal Constitution over the past years.

She noted that she was very focused on the subject and was not afraid to face Pandikar.

Soo said she had fixed Dec 23 for the debate to take place at Grand Continental Hotel here at 2pm to accept the challenge by Pandikar to debate with anyone, at any place and time on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“I have sent a letter on the time and venue for the debate to Pandikar by Poslaju on December 4, and I am sure he must be aware of it.

“Until now, he has not responded to my invitation, but I am waiting for him to show up until the day itself,” she said.

Soo said whether Pandikar would be present or not, she would be at Grand Continental Hotel waiting for him as the time and venue had been fixed and booked.

According to the programme, arrival and registration of guests and media will begin at 1.30pm.

The debaters - Pandikar and Lina - are expected to arrive at 1.45pm while the actual debate is scheduled to start at 2pm and end at 3pm.

A member of Dayak National Congress, Alim Mideh, had been appointed as moderator.