Anwar-Najib debate: lawmakers, audience split over who won
Public says debates between politicians should be new norm
(The Vibes) – As opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak argued on economic policies in last night’s televised debate, lawmakers and audience members at the venue have contradictory views over who had the upper hand.
He added that Anwar appeared more coherent and in doing so was able to identify pertinent problems afflicting the man on the street.
“Najib was coming from a very pro-corporate perspective, while Anwar included the marginalised, those at a disadvantage and the vulnerable, who are supposed to be given highest priority in terms of help needed.
“On that note, I think Anwar managed to get the priorities right, because at this juncture we are talking about the weak and not the elite,” he told The Vibes last night.
He also said Najib appeared too idealistic with his suggestions on ways to improve the standard of living of most Malaysians.
“The difference between Anwar and Najib is that Najib is talking about helping without accountability, while Anwar is talking about integrity, ethics and governance. For Najib it’s helping devoid of governance with ethics and integrity.”
Johorean Navin, 28, who is also a lawyer, saw it differently, saying it was Najib who offered more solutions on improving the economy, and Anwar fell short.
“Najib has better ideas of having a fast economic structure with stable politics, meanwhile I cannot really say what economic mindset Anwar is coming from.’
