Activist takes on role of moderator for Soo-Pandikar debate
KUCHING: Activist Alim Mideh says he has taken it upon himself to act as moderator in the open debate set by State Reform Party (Star) president Lina Soo against Parliament Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia.
He said despite his reluctance to take on the role, debate organisers have been unable to engage anyone to moderate the event.
“We have actually been looking for academicians to be the moderator. We have also talked to a few lawyers.
“Unfortunately, no academician we approached would take up the challenge, while the lawyers we had talked to also claimed they are engaged or on holiday. Finally, I have to take up the responsibility of being the moderator,” said Alim, when contacted yesterday.
The open debate by Soo is slated for Dec 23 at Grand Continental Hotel, Jalan Ban Hock here. Pandikar, however, has failed to respond to Soo’s acceptance of his challenge to his critics to debate the Malaysia Agreement 1963 with him.
“I hope many ‘Bangsa Sarawak’ ( Sarawakians) will come to witness the debate,” said Alim, adding the debate would be a good platform for Sarawakians to understand history better on top of knowing their rights.
The 57-year- old, who hails from Kampong Jagoi Serikin, Bau has been an activist since his Universiti Putra Malaysia days.