DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has challenged MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong to a public debate on their respective records as transport ministers, instead of focusing on a debate between two candidates contesting the Melaka state election.
Loke, who currently holds the Transport Ministry portfolio, also dismissed Wee’s call for a debate between DAP’s Bandar Hilir incumbent Leng Chau Yen and her MCA challenger, Jasmine Lok.
According to Free Malaysia Today (FMT), Loke accused the MCA leader of bullying, alleging that Wee was attempting to make an issue out of Leng’s speech impediment.
He stressed that her condition had never prevented her from serving the people of Bandar Hilir throughout her five-year term.
“She has proven herself, she has been there for one term. So, why is Wee only singling her out? Why not other constituencies? He is being unfair and was trying to be a bully,” Loke told reporters after officiating the Federal Territories DAP convention today.
Turning the challenge towards Wee, Loke said he was prepared to debate the MCA president directly on transport-related matters.
“If he wishes for a debate, I can debate him anytime on transport issues,” he said.
Earlier in his convention speech, Loke urged MCA to challenge DAP in every constituency if the party was serious about taking on its political rival.
“I can also debate with (Wee). What did you do as transport minister compared with what I have done as transport minister? We are not afraid to be challenged,” he said.
Loke first served as transport minister from 2018 to 2020, before the Pakatan Harapan-led federal government collapsed.
Wee subsequently took over the portfolio and held the position until late 2022.
Loke was reappointed transport minister in December 2022 following the formation of the unity government.
