Kudos for moderator who kept the peace

MODERATOR Tang Ah Chai ( pic) was a calm and commanding voice who made sure that the proceedings went on smoothly.

His firm but polite instructions to both speakers managed to calm down the audience amidst rising tension as the debate progressed.

Tang, 51, who is the chief executive officer of the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, stayed true to his promise to be neutral as he ensured that Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek and Lim Guan Eng kept to within the time limit.

Even the audience who lined up to ask the two leaders questions were not spared by Tang who politely told them to get quickly to the point.

In winding up the debate, he praised the organisers of the forum as the debate was an eye-openner not only for the Chinese community but also for the whole country.

“You must have the courage to speak up and I hope that this kind of debate will be a norm so that the people can discuss policies and social issues in a rational manner,” Tang said.

He also had special praise for Dr Chua and Lim on their performance.

“I am very impressed with both speakers who hail from the same kampung in Batu Pahat,” said a very diplomatic Tang in his closing remarks.

“Although they were both English educated, they were brave enough to debate in Mandarin.

“Both of them did very well in the debate,” said Tang.