Ahmad Shabery Was Invited By Agenda Daily

Tuesday August 19, 2008

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek's participation in the debate with Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently was on the invitation of the organiser.

"The debate's organiser Agenda Daily had invited the information minister. He was not chosen by the Cabinet," Ahmad Shabery said in reply to a question by Amran Ab Ghani (PKR-Tanah Merah) in the Dewan Rakyat here today.

Amran wanted to know whether the information minister was the best government candidate for the debate against Anwar.

The debate on the oil price entitled "Hari Ini Membentuk Kerajaan, Esok Turun Harga Minyak" (Form the Government Today, Reduce Oil Price Tomorrow) was shown live by several television stations on July 15.

Ahmad Shabery said it was better to debate the oil price issue than take to the streets as done by opposition parties.-- BERNAMA

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Agreed that he had more guts then his bosses to stand-up and debate. His performance during the debate was a shame to Malaysian leaders and televised nationwide (perhaps worldwide) which left much to desired of the quality of leaders provided by the BN Government.

Abdullah Badawi and Najib cannot wash their hands from this debacle as they are responsible and accountable for the acts of their subordinates. They have shamed Malaysians by pitching Shabery instead of offering themselves and show the world the leadership quality besides regaining the belief of Malaysians on the Government.

Instead of snapping on the opportunity that beckons upon them, they gave their blessings to a lame representative who is of no match to Anwar Ibrahim and subsequently, sending Shabery into a "sabbatical" and shy away from making statements.

Perhaps Datuk Sharir Abdul Samad would also have been the right person to debate given his position as Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister and responsible for the fuel price hike.

Well that's BN/UMNO political circus!