DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke challenged MCA president Wee Ka Siong to a debate over their respective ministerial track records. The clash follows an escalating dispute in the upcoming Malacca state election regarding a proposed candidate debate in Bandar Hilir.
The political friction centers on the Bandar Hilir state seat, which MCA secured as an additional constituency for Barisan Nasional to contest in the upcoming Malacca state election. Following that allocation, Malacca MCA information chief Jasmine Lok proposed a debate against her electoral opponent, DAP incumbent Leng Chau Yen, aiming to address local parking disputes.
That local challenge drew sharp condemnation from DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke. Speaking to reporters after officiating the Federal Territory DAP Annual Convention in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, Loke accused MCA leadership of unfair tactics and targeting a candidate with personal challenges.
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.
Anthony Loke, DAP secretary-general, via Malaysiakini
Anthony Loke Counters With a Ministerial Track Record Challenge
Rather than confining the debate to a single local representative, Loke expanded the confrontation to higher administrative levels. The transport minister challenged his predecessor, Wee, to face him directly to evaluate their respective performances while helming the Transport Ministry.
If he wishes for a debate, I can debate him anytime on transport issues.
Anthony Loke, Transport Minister, via The Vibes
Loke first held the transport portfolio from 2018 until the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan federal government in 2020. Wee subsequently took over the ministry until late 2022, after which Loke returned to the post in December 2022 following the formation of the unity government.
Wee Ka Siong Responds to Allegations and Dismisses Ministerial Debate
In response, MCA president Wee Ka Siong expressed bewilderment at Loke’s intervention, maintaining that the original debate proposal belonged strictly to the local candidates.
What has this (debate) got to do with me? Jasmine Lok asked me if she could debate her opponent for the Bandar Hilir seat, Leng, so the issue on the parking system can be put to rest. I told her to go ahead.
Wee Ka Siong, MCA president, via Malaysiakini
Addressing accusations of intimidation regarding Leng’s speech impediment, Wee defended the local MCA proposal. He stated that he remained unaware of Leng’s condition prior to Loke’s public remarks and rejected the notion that suggesting a debate constitutes bullying.
#NSTnation Transport Minister Anthony Loke has challenged his predecessor, Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, to a debate on their respective records in the transport portfolio.https://t.co/EjZlR3xMi0 pic.twitter.com/xGtX6eTgxv
Wee also brushed off Loke’s challenge regarding their time at the ministry, noting that direct comparisons ignore the extraordinary conditions of the Covid-19 pandemic during his tenure.
When I was made the transport minister, we were struck by the Covid-19 pandemic. Movement restrictions were in place and planes were grounded. It would be unfair to compare our achievements given these circumstances.
Wee Ka Siong, MCA president, via Free Malaysia Today
Election Commission Sets Polling Day for November 14
The dispute unfolds against the backdrop of an active state election schedule. The Election Commission set November 14 as polling day for the Malacca state election, with early voting scheduled for November 10.
In the 2021 Malacca state election, Leng secured the Bandar Hilir seat with a majority of 7,778 votes in a four-cornered contest, after Perikatan Nasional opted against contesting and handed the seat back to Barisan Nasional. Demographic data for the constituency shows a predominantly Chinese electorate.
| Demographic Group | Electorate Share |
|---|---|
| Chinese voters | 73 percent |
| Malay voters | 12.9 percent |
| Indian voters | 6.4 percent |
| Other voters | 6.8 percent |
As campaign preparations continue across Malacca’s traditional state seats such as Kelebang and Machap Jaya alongside the newly added Bandar Hilir constituency, neither party has confirmed whether a structured debate between the national leaders or local candidates will ultimately take place.