Clipped CNY do edges closer to debate dare Kong See Hoh
Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping
PENANG (Jan 20, 2009) : A controversy over the Penang Chinese Town Hall's (PCTH) request for state funds to hold a Chinese New Year open house took on a new dimension on Monday when Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) president Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping challenged PCTH chief Tan Sri Lim Gait Tong and his deputy Datuk Lam Wu Chong to a public debate to determine who should apologise to the Chinese over their mud-slinging regarding the hot issue.
The controversy was given prominent coverage in the Chinese press and Tan's dare to the PCTH duo for the debate was the story of the day for two of the four national Chinese dailies today.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's refusal to grant PCTH its request for RM15,000 for the open house more over a week ago set a few tongues wagging.
But while Guan Eng refused to be dragged into a war of words with PCTH after refuting its insinuation that he was anti-Chinese and its accusation that he was practising double standards, Tan picked a bone with the PCTH by describing its action to ask for the fund as "losing face" for the Chinese.
He also accused a small group of leaders in the Chinese assembly hall of having personal interest in organising the open house.
PCTH shot back at Tan, accusing him of insulting the Chinese with his remark and demanded that he apologise to the community.
Tan Sri Lim Gait Tong
Tan upped the ante on PCTH on Monday with his dare to Lim and Lam to a public debate as he wanted the public to know that what he had said about PCTH on the issue was the truth and not fabrication.
He said he would leave it to the PCTH duo to pick the date and venue for the debate and gave them until Feb 10 to reply to his challenge.
Asked for his comment on Tan's challenge, Lam said he would discuss with Lim before making a decision but added that Tan would probably not be disappointed.
When pressed for a clearer answer by reporters, Lam said PCTH had better things to do and more pressing matters to attend to than to engage in "such a silly game".
Meanwhile, the federal government stepped in last Friday to provide PCTH with the money.
The state has lined up two Chinese New Year open house events and another for Chap Goh Meh.
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