Information Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek today said that he did not resort to personal attacks against PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim during their live debate last night.

Shabery raised temperatures when he criticised the former finance minister on his policies during the 1997 financial crisis.

Met in the Parliament lobby today, the minister explained that it was necessary for him to bring up the issue as it formed “the basis of our current measures” to curb the fuel price hike.

“It was important for me to raise the issue. I did not attack him personally. I only talked about his policies and his leadership so as to question his credibility,” Shabery told reporters.

“It wasn’t a personal attack, but when he was a deputy finance minister, his methods were not even humanist. Now he is talking about humanism. I just wanted to show people his leadership record. Do not get me wrong on this one.”

On the same note, he said Anwar also attacked him personally.

“When he said I was in Semangat 46, it was a personal attack,” Shabery said.

Last night, the two participated in a first-ever debate between an opposition leader and government minister on the sharp hike in fuel prices.

It’s not about winning or losing

The minister added that the purpose of the debate was not to show who was better between the two, but to raise politics to another level.

“It showed that both of us could deliver our messages on the matter. Most importantly, we proved that we can debate in a cordial manner and are not afraid to do so,” said the minister.

Shabery, who was all smiles today, said he was satisfied with his performance and had received many SMS messages either congratulating or attacking him.

“Some supported me and some were angry with me. But that’s normal.”

When asked if he would like to have another debate with Anwar, he replied: “I don’t mind a rematch.”