Debates Don't Benefit Us.....

I REFER to the challenge thrown by MP Khairy Jamaluddin to Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to debate on the economy.

Such debates may be entertaining, but are counterproductive and a waste of time. It is better for us to consult and discuss matters in a less confrontational way.

By its nature, a debate is an adversarial contest to attack or defend a subject and to discredit the opponent’s point of view, no matter how valid it can be. We close our minds to the opponent’s ideas, solutions and suggestions.

In that way, we deny ourselves the opportunity to resolve or find the best answer to a problem.

Further, we cause loss of goodwill among the opponents as well as the public, who may be selectively receptive to the arguments and become emotional.

It has been observed by some foreign writers that the debates among American politicians do not result in a consensus and thus cause some vital projects to come to a standstill.

We cannot adopt such a culture to resolve every issue that arises from time to time. We should perhaps espouse our Eastern method of consultation, which helps in resolving even highly contentious issues without causing much social disorder.

In our country we have Parlia­ment. Besides, many organisations and professional bodies hold forums, discussions and dialogues on many crucial issues.

With all these, I do not see what additional benefit we can get from of a few hours of debate.