Hari ini bentuk kerajaan, esok turun harga minyak.

That was the title of the Great Oil Price Debate between Datuk Seri Anuar Ibrahim (DSAI) and Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek (DASC), which was aired live last Tuesday on TV9.

Unlike others who were unfortunate to catch it live, i sat glued to the TV and watched the whole thing through! And i must say, i was impressed. I was even clapping and cheering on so loudly in my house that i think my neighbours must think i've gone nuts!

But it was all worth it! The debate aired lived provided me, us, the rakyat, to be a part of the current oil price issue that seems to be dwindling out of hand. What i liked about it was i was able to see DSAI in action -- live.

People always said he was a excellent orator, and that night, he performed very well and rebutted questions, personal attacks, and rubbish that were flung at him. And he did it all with charisma.. =P

I'm DSAI biggest fan, but you've gotta admit, he's good -- and he's got facts. Just google about the debate and you'll find many articles saying that DSAI debated with very logical facts, while Shabery went around the bush. And the latter did that many times.

I guess he didn't realize it when the crowd cheered at his attacks at DSAI. He must have been on clouds, back then.

Okay, here's my two cents worth on the whole thing:

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I realized that, from the very start, DASC never addressed DSAI with Datuk Seri when he spoke, but the latter always addressed the former with formal salutations. (hey, i was very attentive, okay.. -_-) I felt it showed the level of respect DASC (which represents the gov) had for DSAI. Not very gentleman-ish, almost derogatory, don't ya think? =S

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If DASC was indeed representing the gov, he should speak like he was representing the gov to address the rakyats' grievances due to the price hike, not make remarks about DSAI and beat around the bush.

DSAI came up with alot on WHY the gov's move to reduce subsidy was inappropriate and abit on HOW he could reduce the current oil price by more effective management of funds and re-channelling them for optimum use to benefit the people. (reviewing IPP's reserve capacity, etc)

DASC should have, at the very least, given examples to strengthen the reason for the reduction in oil subsidy. How the money was used, etc. But he didn't. Well, hello, if you don't already know, the rakyat are fed up with the gov as it is. Not because of the things they do, but more so about HOW they do it.

They reduce oil subsidy, thus earning about RM13 bilion in savings. HOW it is used, no one knows for sure. Here i quote from Scott's Blog, "

Ahmad Shabery was asked about the RM4.3 billion savings from an earlier fuel price increase in 2006 that was meant to be used to improve public transport but only RM834 million was used for that purpose, leading people to be cynical about the purported RM13 billion in savings in the latest subsidy cut.

How now, brown cow? -___-

But no, he beat around the bush, even evading THIS very question above.
(Its understandable, when one is debating on the losing end)

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And it gets better, throughout the debate, the government was mentioned. If you watched and listened closely, both DSAI and DASC said, "Kerajaan UMNO & BN" Why mention UMNO? Mention UMNO first before BN sumore. Blardy one sided wei. What happen to MIC and MCA? *glares*

As far as DSAI is concerned, understandable la; he's bosong with them (UMNO), but for DASC to say UMNO & BN like that, i think not so nice to non-UMNO people la. Reminds me of the keris waving incident. Remember that one? Haih.

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During the debate, DASC also commended the gov that it was a flexible gov; such live debates were not heard of during DSAI's time. I think he was trying to say that the current gov is good, for the people, willing to listen, etc... so sokong la kami.

I didn't buy it. Did you?

I felt it was just a gimmick. I think they taught they could control it to their liking, but in the end, it kinda backfired. DSAI is now more popular and was able to reach out to more of the rakyat, compared to before March 8. An opportunity for DSAI? Definitely.

Therefore, how can something so immense be discussed in an attempt to find a solution during a one hour long, live show? They debaters had time limits sumore. Hayo. Reminded me about how i used to be in a public speaking competition. If it was indeed a competition, then its obvious the goal was largely for public support and popularity -- for both sides.

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In the end, when all time was up, DSAI walked over to DASC and shook his hand. Like, DASC, representing the gov blew it again. the very last chance he had before it was all over -- he blew it. DSAI was at DASC's podium to shake his hands, so very the gentleman of him. DASC could at least have walked up towards DSAI and met in the middle and shook hands.

Now it seems that DSAI is the greater man, being able to put all attacks against him behind, and shake the hand of the mand who just flung crap at him. Would you imagine if DASC would have gone up to DSAI first? Would be like.. WOW, right? Bummer.

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So, WHO WON the debate?

Well, regardless of what people will say, it's entirely up to you. I urge you to go watch the debate (if you haven't) and be a part of it yourself. Keep abreast on what's going on. Videos can be found here in Raja Petra's post which links to Youtube.

If you'd like, you can also read the almost complete transcripts on annilnetto.com

Most recent news says DSAI is now in lock-up. Its not getting positive feedbacks fromt he people, but we'll keep our fingers crossed and see what happens. I hope he'll be allright.

If not, next time, so show to see already lar... =)

And on that note, i thank you for sparing some time reading this! :-D

H.U.L.A.!