KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has agreed to the debate with Khairy Jamaluddin and Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah in the run-up to the Umno presidential election slated to be held at the end of the month.
The Bagan Datuk member of Parliament however said that he would only do so on the condition that it is streamed live from his constituency where he is scheduled for a programme with party grassroots on June 29.
Zahid said this in a special interview with Astro Awani tonight and that the debate should not focus on splitting up the party but celebrating differences of opinion.
“I agree with Tan Sri Annuar Musa’s statement that there should not be a debate for the sake of dragging out family affairs to the streets.”
“But if the debate does not intend to split Umno into two or three factions, I agree to participate via a live feed. This is because I have a previous commitment with the grassroots there,” he added in an interview here today.
Zahid had previously stated that such a debate would prove to be unhealthy as the party seeks to chart its path in unfamiliar waters following the immense loss it suffered in the 14th General Election.
Earlier this week Umno presidential candidate Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah invited his opponents to a debate on Monday. A day later Khairy accepted the challenge.
Zahid said his stand to not share the stage with his opponents in the party polls was in line with his principle of championing the grassroots in his Bagan Datuk division.
“I am a grassroots leader as such I will never sideline the masses because I am entrusted to care for them.
“Also June 30 is when the (party) polling starts and it will be done simultaneously in all the branches, divisions and national levels. So it’s important that I am there with the people,” he added.
On the change that needs to be embraced by Umno, Zahid said that the DNA of its members which previously used to be an extension of the government will now have to change to that of an opposition party.
He said such a re-branding was not simple but the party needs to face the grim reality from now on instead of denying the facts and dwelling on the past.
“It is not easy as it involves a change of mind, spirit, approach and activities that are conducted.
“What is important is that we create a new DNA from now as we need to be watchdogs to ensure that the new government delivers. We also have to give a renewed and good fight to ex-Umno leaders who are now in the government in parties such as PPBM (Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia) and PKR,” he said.
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