KUCHING, June 15: Non-governmental organisation Movement for Change Sarawak (MoCS) believes its proposed `Sarawak What’s Next’ debate will give an opportunity for all political parties in the state to make their voices heard.
Its founding chairman, Francis Siah, said the debate would also help to build a more politically mature and discerning public, and such events are also meant to be an educational exercise on politics for Sarawakians.
“MoCS wants to promote and encourage the debate culture in Sarawak. We are now living in a borderless world where nothing is secret anymore, including what goes on in the privacy of the bedroom. Our politicians should be encouraged to speak up publicly and be prepared to take on their opponents in an open public forum,” he said in a statement today.
Emphasising that MoCS is apolitical and that he is not a member of any political party, Siah assured that MoCS would be fair to all parties during the debate.
“Ultimately, Sarawakian voters will make his or her own decisions come the elections,” he said.
Siah said if there was any interest from the parties, MoCS might consider hosting the next debate in Sibu, where Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), Democratic Action Party (DAP), Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) and Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK), who have following in central Sarawak, would be invited.
“We will also be accommodating PDP, PBDSB and other parties in future debates,” he added.
Siah also thanked Sarawak Patriots Association (Sapa) chairman Datuk John Lau for his support to the June 22 debate.
“MoCS only plays the role of host for the debate. The choice of speakers is entirely up to the leaders of the participating parties. We have no say in that. However, we trust in the wisdom of party leaders in sending credible and capable candidates to represent their parties at our debate.
“We do not distinguish between lightweights or heavyweights in the party’s choices. MoCS considers all participating speakers worthy representatives of their parties,” said Siah. — DayakDaily
