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SHAH ALAM – Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi’s refusal to debate Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Dr Maszlee Malik is not a missed opportunity, as he has other platforms to engage voters, political analysts said.
Political analyst Dr Oh Ei Sun said Onn’s decision should not be interpreted as a sign that he was afraid of facing Maszlee or lacked confidence in his ability to communicate publicly.
He said the decision was likely influenced by Barisan Nasional’s confidence in its electoral position in Johor, rather than a reluctance to engage with opposition voices.
"I think mainly it is that Onn and BN are quite confident of their impending sweeping victory and do not see the need to 'elevate' Maszlee up to an Menteri Besar-equivalent status by entertaining his debate request," he told Sinar Daily.
Political analyst Arif Anwar Lokmanol Hakim said the rejection would not significantly affect Onn’s campaign, as he has various other avenues to engage with voters.
“There are many other ways for him to engage with voters. After all, he is the Menteri Besar, so I don't think this creates any significant issue," he said.
He added that while the decision could invite some criticism, it does not necessarily translate into a campaign disadvantage.
"It could be seen as an unwillingness to face criticism or to risk making statements that could be used against him," he said.
However, Arif said debates are still an important avenue for voters to assess candidates through their views, arguments and policy positions.
"If there is a debate, it is healthy and beneficial because it allows the audience to assess the quality and reasoning behind each candidate's arguments.
“Perhaps there is concern that an answer given during the debate could backfire and provide ammunition for PH to attack," he said.
Previously, Onn said there was no reason for him to take part in a Johor state election dialogue with Maszlee as they are contesting different state seats, with Maszlee contesting Puteri Wangsa and him defending Machap.
He added that if Maszlee wanted to debate or hold a dialogue, he should find a candidate contesting in the same constituency, as the matter had no connection with his seat in Machap or the Simpang Renggam parliamentary constituency.
