Ambiga’s withdrawal from debate draws scorn
Bersih co-chairperson S Ambiga’s excuse that she was not debating is unacceptable, says Senator Mohamad Ezam Mohd Nor.
Anisah Shukry, FMT
Bersih co-chairperson S Ambiga’s refusal to debate with Yuktes Vijay, a former aide in Anwar Ibrahim’s legal team, on the People’s Tribunal has drawn scorn from Senator Mohamad Ezam Mohd Nor.
“The reluctance and hesitancy shown by Ambiga to debate clearly shows that the Tribunal Rakyat was a mere Barisan Nasional bashing exercise,” Mohd Ezam said in a statement today, referring to the People’s Tribunal by its Malay name.
Ambiga had originally agreed to a debate with Yuktes through micro-blogging site Twitter, but later called it off when she learned the topic was on the People’s Tribunal.
“…Have explained. Disagreed with topic of findings of [People’s Tribunal] when they are not out yet. Said I disagreed from Day1..” she tweeted on Wednesday.
But Ezam argued today that the debate, scheduled for Nov 16, was to focus on what was submitted during tribunal, and did not touch upon the judges’ conclusions.
“Deciphering the excuse given by Ambiga for her withdrawal, it seems like she intends to use the findings of the Tribunal as a reference point to validate her vague and bias (sic) views.
“Perhaps (it is an) indication that she indeed lacks evidence to substantiate her views and allegations about the [general election] and the[election commission],” said Ezam.
He also pointed out that the tribunal was not recognised by law, and thus there was no question of contempt should the debate go on.
“Personally, I was surprised and astounded when Ambiga accepted the challenge of Yuktes Vijay for a debate. In fact, the founding father of Bersih, Anwar Ibrahim would not have been pleased at all with this decision of hers,” claimed Ezam.
