WHILE Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek regarded the debate with Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday night as a significant step forward for democracy, the deputy prime minister seemed to have other thoughts, saying that future debates would only be decided after considering the "people's views".

Until the old guard in the government realises that community views have moved on, and people want a more open and democratic society, the government will continue to struggle to maintain its relevance to the voters. The ability to tolerate dissent and differing opinions is the hallmark of truly relaxed representatives of the people.