Information Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek should be commended for organising the historic debate with Anwar Ibrahim on the oil price hike. The hosting of the debate has won the praise of the vast majority of Malaysians including the opposition.

That was itself a great success and the government should be praised for allowing such an event that was unprecedented. It gained the plus point for the BN government which was so badly needed amidst its current political turmoil.

There are many opinions as to who was the winner of the historic debate. To my mind the debate itself was the real winner not Anwar or Shabery. As the information minister says it was a victory for openness and the real winner was democracy.

The debate was conducted in a highly professional manner and the speakers, coordinators and audience displayed tremendous maturity in discussing the most important issue at hand – the hike in fuel price. The success of the debate just goes to show that Malaysians today are mature enough for openness and dialogue to overcome the many problems facing them.

They are ready to listen with discern to opposing views and accept what is right and reject what is wrong. The government should build on this readiness of the people to push for a more open system of governance, where contrasting views are encouraged and appreciated.

It would the best way to check street protests, demonstrations and rallies that are obsolete in this modern era of information technology.

Organising debates alone may not suffice and the authorities must be willing to listen to the suggestions put forward by the debaters especially those from opposing camps. Views of the opposition must be given serious consideration and not brushed aside as unrealistic and politically motivated. If the suggestions of the debaters are ignored if would defeat the very purpose for which it was intended in the first place.

Whether Anwar can bring the fuel price down, which he claims he can, is not the point as he is not in a position to do so. However, he has put forth his ideas on fighting the increasing fuel costs that is becoming a real burden for the people.

The government must be receptive to his suggestions some of which may be feasible. He must not be seen as just an opposition politician trying to woo support from the people but as an experienced citizen who has the well being of the rakyat at heart and who represents the voice of almost 50% of the voters in the recent elections.

Malaysians in general have responded positively to the debate and they hope this will not be the first and last of such debates. Similar debates to present one’s views on other important issues affecting the nation should become the norms in the future and there is a need to inculcate such a mindset of dialogue and debate in our younger generation.

The nation is beset with numerous problems and these can only be amicably overcome by debate and dialogue, not confrontation and street protests. There should not be any issue that will be too sensitive for debate as long as it is done in a professionally controlled and civil manner.

The developments in the country since the historic March 8 elections show that the people are ready for a more mature and elitist dialogue and debate on all issues confronting all sections of the population.

It is the question of whether our political leaders are ready for such a positive change in the people. Unfortunately, judging by what is happening in the country they are not.