Shabery vs Anwar debate is the path to become a more matured democracy

The hour-long Shabery vs Anwar debate entitled “Today we form the Government, tomorrow the fuel prices will go down” was organised by online news portal Agenda Daily and was broadcast live over TV9, Astro Awani and Bernama TV proceeded smoothly last night.

It was the first time and indeed a rare occasion to see such a debate that a government minister was pitted against an opposition leader live on television. For Shabery Cheek, the taking up this challenge to defend government's move on fuel price rise and to win over the so called independents is shown clearly that he is the kind of budding intellect that is willing to shoulder the responsibility as the minister.

The information minister breaking the norm to engage in a debate with the opposition that affects the lives of all Malaysians, thus should be applauded as it marked a new era in the government’s policy of openness for given more freedom to express public views in a peaceful and respectful manner.

Ironically, the debate is something positive which gave the opposition room to air its opinion. Undeniably, Anwar has done a good job in recommending many measures to justify his proposal. On the other hand, the government could assessed in terms of the people’s views and the government’s open policy.

It brings together different elements, ideas and approaches to the issues facing the common people and it is indeed refreshing to see the debate exhibiting such tentativeness of making reasonable, intelligent comments on the issues.

Academically, it was not only an education in social politics, but also public finance and economics both domestics and international which is somewhat enhanced the understanding of the average Malaysian on the issue arises.

It is in fact also nothing short of an astonishing historical event and a significant milestone in Malaysian politics in venturing down the path to becoming a more matured democracy.