The debate on, "Form the Government today, Reduce the Fuel Price Tomorrow" between PKR advisor Anwar Ibrahim and Information Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek on the recent fuel price hike issue has taken place, it was broadcast live on Malaysian TV9, Bernama TV and Astro Awani between 21:00 and 22:00 Malaysian time (13:00 & 14:00 GMT) today 15th July 2008.
No doubt a video of the debate, which was conducted in Bahasa Malaysia, without sub-titles or translations, will be available sooner or later, and then those who were unable to watch it live, can make their own judgements.
In my opinion, Anwar was successful in the debate, his arguments were to the pint, accurate, and above all he stuck closely to the subject, and did not resort to personal issues, the converse was true of Ahmad Shabery Cheek.
Ahmad Shabery Cheek, seem flustered, and was seen to be ‘foaming at the mouth’, he did not impress, tended to waffle, frequently went off at a tangent, and also brought up personal issues appertaining to Anwar Ibrahim.
There will be much analysis, the debate will be carefully and selectively dissected and both sides will of course claim victory.
But for me, the clear winner was Anwar Ibrahim.
Veritas odit moras - Truth hates delay