Such was the 'defeat' of the government, that the debate coverage even failed to reach the front page of local mainstream newspapers (mind you, this is a historical event!). And when they did cover the story some pages down, oh how they manipulated the story well. NST read 'Shabery Stands his Ground Against Anwar', and it's onine version read, 'Anwar-Shabery live TV debate ends with no clear winner' Read it here. I failed to find the coverage in BH or Utusan.
Of course the organizers didn't proclaim the clear cut winners. There need not be one, for it was not about who wins. It was about getting the message across. It was about being able to converse the message to the people. It was about telling the people the truth. This is not PPM.
Any clear mind would have noticed the inability of the Information Minister to reply to most of the questions thrown by the opposition. He failed to find an answer, and at times seemed to be at a lost for words. He ended up attacking Anwar, instead, accusing of the latter this and that. Anwar on the other hand, despite starting a bit slow, picked up his pace along the way and talked very confidently, conveying the message clearly for everyone to hear. His words were precise, and he didn't stray away from the main agenda of the debate (unlike his opposition).
Of all the negative effects this debate had upon the government, one consolation can not be denied. The government has to note that should former Infromation Minister, Zam Mydin was to retain this position after the general election, this debate could've been far worse. For if it was him, fuhh.... 'We are not like Burma, we are not like Pakistan' lah. Unimaginable.
Here's to show what the general public thought of the debate. A poll conducted by mSTAR.com, at which Shabery's vote in declining every second. lol. Read the full story of the debate here.
For those who missed the live broadcast, you should be able to watch it on youtube.
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