Media statement by Lim Guan Eng in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, 6^th July 2012: 

Astro can only prove its commitment to impartial reporting by broadcasting live the second debate between Chua Soi Lek and me 

DAP expressed surprise at the refusal of Astro Awani to broadcast live the debate between Chua Soi Lek and myself on the topic "DAP vs MCA: Whose policies benefit the country more?" in English/ Bahasa Malaysia on Sunday 8th of July at the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur. After the first Mandarin debate between both of us, Astro has repeatedly followed up with my office on when is the second debate in English/Bahasa Malaysia.

Astro has indicated in no uncertain terms that they would want to broadcast the second English/Bahasa Malaysia debate live. I had checked out with ASLI's Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Michael Yeo who had confirmed that ASLI is not imposing any financial charges for the live broadcast. With no financial obstacles and high public viewer interest, there is no commercial reason for Astro not to broadcast live the second debate which can only improve the viewer ratings for Astro.

Clearly there must be political pressure exerted on Astro not to broadcast live the debate. Explanation given by Astro that they need time to prepare the subtitles which is why they can not do it live but a delayed broadcast. Such explanation defies logic and reason when everyone understands the national language. If a Mandarin debate can be broadcast live without subtitles, why is that a necessity to do subtitles for Bahasa Malaysia/English debate.

DAP suspects that the refusal of Prime Minister Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak to have a debate with Opposition Leader Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim for a public debate and Najib's weak explanation that such debates are not part of our political culture, is the reason for Astro not following on its previous interest to have a live broadcast.

DAP regrets that the delayed broadcast will not do justice to increase public awareness and improve public discourse on national issues of importance that affects the destiny of Malaysians. The reason for having a delayed broadcast because it is held in the afternoon when Malaysians are not at their homes between 2.30-4.30 pm is ridiculous. In that case, Astro should also stop broadcasting any programmes during this time period between 2.30-4.30pm. Astro can only prove its commitment to impartial reporting by broadcasting live the second debate between Chua Soi Lek and me on 8 July 2012.

*Lim Guan Eng, DAP Secretary General & MP for Bagan