What does Onn Hafiz see as debates’ biggest drawback?

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Onn Hafiz sees debates as counterproductive because they are confrontational outside the state assembly
Onn Hafiz believes public election debates are unnecessary and counterproductive because they become confrontational when they are held outside the state assembly. In his view, such debates lack the dignified, orderly setting he associates with the state assembly, and that confrontational format undermines the purpose of election discourse.
He views debates as unnecessary in an election
Onn Hafiz is convinced that public debates are not needed during an election period. He characterises them as counterproductive to elections, framing them as a poor fit for how election campaigning should unfold rather than as a helpful public exchange.
He says the main problem is the confrontational nature of debates
His specific objection is that debates are confrontational, especially when they take place outside the state assembly. He contrasts that setting with a more controlled environment, implying that the public format turns the exchange into something he considers unhealthy for election contexts.
He prefers election-style discourse to stay within the state assembly
Onn Hafiz argues that dignified discourses should be the sole preserve of the state assembly, not markets or television. In that framing, the assembly is treated as the proper forum for restrained and orderly exchanges, while public debate settings are seen as the wrong place for that kind of discourse.
His comments were tied to an invitation to debate Maszlee Malik
His remarks came in response to an unwelcome invite from former education minister and PKR-Pakatan candidate for Wangsa Puteri, Maszlee Malik. Onn Hafiz’s stance was that debates should not be taken into public arenas, aligning with his belief that confrontations outside the assembly are the key drawback.

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What does Onn Hafiz see as debates’ biggest drawback?

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