Where academic debates were involved the Imam was absolutely diligent and capable of holding his own in debates and would analyze the subjects in a very meticulous fashion and give his answer to problems. However, in session in which debating would be a cause for vanity and argument, he would keep silent. If anybody asked a question he would answer otherwise he would keep quiet and listen.
If there was an argument, he would keep silent: Ayatullah Ibrahim Amini