No permit, no debate, so next is a casual get-together

MUAR: The much-anticipated showdown debate between two parliamentary candidates in Muar fizzled out with police refusing to give the greenlight.

The debate was to have pitted Pakatan Harapan candidate Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman against Barisan Nasional’s Datuk Seri Razali Ibrahim at Muar Traders Hotel here at 9pm yesterday.

Instead, Syed Saddiq, who threw the challenge, had to turn the debate into a dialogue and address his supporters.

The Barisan incumbent instead proposed that he, Syed Saddiq and PAS candidate Abdul Aziz Talib hold a casual get-together at the Muar District Officer’s home between 5pm and 7pm today to exchange views.

“I propose that candidates have a harmonious discussion,” Razali told a press conference at the Umno office here.

Razali added that the discussion could be live-streamed.

Syed Saddiq said he was willing to accept Razali’s challenge.

“I have no problems with his proposal so long as the media is allowed to cover it and it is fair,” he added.

A large crowd gathered next to the hotel in anticipation of the debate. Police personnel were on hand to ensure there was no untoward incident.

Earlier yesterday, Johor CPO Comm Datuk Mohd Khalil Kader Mohd said police would not approve the proposed debate due to security and public order concerns.

He said the organiser had not applied for a permit as required, merely giving police short notice of the event.