Kuala Lampur, July 2 -- I failed to disguise my chuckle reading about Onn Hafiz's verdict on public debates. As much as he unequivocally failed to hide his contempt for reason.

The Barisan Nasional Johor chief remains convinced they are unnecessary and counterproductive in an election. More so I suppose if it involved him debating.

A cruel world which asks a state's chief executive of four years to respond to his opponents in real time on a stage.

Yes, standing up and speaking, who'd think that's one of the requirements for higher office?

I mean, bowling and Bonsai pruning may be far more necessary to run a state. Square dancing too.

Onn felt dignified discourses should be the sole preserve of the state assembly, not in markets or on...