Abhisit again dares Samak to debate him

General News - Saturday December 15, 2007

RACE TO PARLIAMENT

Abhisit again dares Samak to debate him

AMPA SANTIMATANEDOL

Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday renewed his challenge to People Power party leader Samak Sundaravej to join him in a public debate on their election platforms, saying Mr Samak should not be afraid of facing him before a live audience. Mr Abhisit made his fresh challenge after the People's Network for Elections (P-Net) invited the two party leaders _ who are most likely to vie for the premiership after the general election _ to join a policy debate to be broadcast live on television Channels 9 and 11.

Mr Abhisit has already accepted the invitation and said he is looking forward to facing Mr Samak on stage

The debate would touch on the true essence of the election and allow members of the public to compare his calibre to Mr Samak's, said Mr Abhisit.

Mr Samak, however, was reported to have turned down P-Net's invitation.

''I learned today that the heavyweight boxer [Mr Samak] is afraid of the lightweight one,'' said Mr Abhisit.

Analysts said Mr Samak was probably avoiding a live debate because he feared he could easily lose his cool.

The closest the two party leaders came to a public debate was when they appeared at Wat Suan Kaew temple in Nonthaburi to campaign for support on the same day last month. But they spoke at different times.

The Democrat leader yesterday challenged Mr Samak to debate him on ''burning issues'' affecting the country such as the moral integrity of a government leader, national economy, democracy, and national unity.

''I dare not say I am better, but I would like the public to compare Mr Samak and me and then make a final decision on Dec 23,'' he said.

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