Fadhli challenges Kampar MP to debate on Kelantan issues

KUALA LUMPUR: Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari has challenged Kampar MP Chong Zhemin to a public debate over allegations involving Orang Asli land encroachment, sexual crimes against children, and HIV infections in Kelantan.

Fadhli, of PAS, said he was denied the opportunity to respond to DAP’s Chong, who had raised such issues while debating the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia’s (Suhakam) 2024 annual report in the Dewan Rakyat.

“I invite Chong to debate me outside Parliament on any platform, whether Astro Awani, Sinar Harian or any other organiser willing to host it.

“If he does not accept the challenge, he should be considered cowardly and lacking the courage,” he said while interjecting during the debate.

Chong had highlighted various issues in Kelantan, such as the unresolved Orang Asli land encroachment cases, and said the state had recorded a rising proportion of HIV infections.

Fadhli accused Chong of using the Dewan Rakyat to make allegations against the state without giving him the opportunity to respond.

He said human rights and moral issues were national concerns that should not be used to tarnish or insult any particular state.

“If he truly wants to discuss these issues, let’s debate them openly. Don’t use Parliament to attack Kelantan and then deny me the opportunity to reply when I stand up to respond,” he said.