Nazri suggests debate be held on April 7 in Shah Alam

He also wants Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad as moderator and the Amanah communications chief agrees.

KUALA LUMPUR: Nazri Aziz has proposed that the debate between him and Dr Mahathir Mohamad be held on April 7 at the Karangkraf Complex in Section 15, Shah Alam.

The tourism and culture minister said this was because he was unable to meet Dr Mahathir’s demand that he resolve the issue of police barriers by 1pm tomorrow or move the debate to another place and time.

“Sinar Harian has contacted me to ask if we could reschedule the debate to March 29 at Karangkraf, Shah Alam, but the date is not convenient because the Indian prime minister is due to visit that day.

“I have proposed to Sinar Harian that the debate be held instead on April 7, the day after Dewan Rakyat concludes the session.

“I have also asked Karangkraf to inform the police,” he told reporters at the Dewan Rakyat today.

The debate was originally scheduled to take place on Saturday at the Maktab Rendah Sains Mara in Kuala Kangsar.

Nazri had accepted Mahathir’s challenge to a public debate over the 1MDB and BMF financial controversies, and also the RM2.6 billion donation from the Saudi royal family.

However, acting Perak police chief Hasnan Hassan said the organiser’s application to hold the event was denied because it was submitted late and also because such events were not allowed to be held in school premises.

Nazri has requested Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad to be the debate moderator because Khalid could ensure the event proceeded in a peaceful manner.

“I only ask one thing – that the Shah Alam MP serve as the moderator. I want the moderator to be a politician. An academician in the role would have a different approach.

“I believe he (Khalid) will be able to control the debate and it will be fair.

“It would seem as though I was applying pressure (on the opposition) if I were to ask for a representative of the government.”

The Padang Rengas MP said he would not back off from the debate, which he believed provided a platform for the practice of free speech.

“I’m trying to create a culture of debate in this country. Can we not hold a debate that ends peacefully? Let’s not make this (debate) a reason to quarrel.

“We will only give our opinions and let the people decide for themselves.

“Whether the people believe me or Dr Mahathir Mohamad, I believe that at the end of the debate, we can still drink coffee together.”

Nazri said he would still be representing his constituency and not the government even if the debate was held in Shah Alam instead of Padang Rengas.

“Dr Mahathir is not challenging the government and he is not challenging me as a representative of Pakatan Harapan or the opposition.

“I represent myself and my people. Wherever I go, I represent Padang Rengas.”

When contacted, Khalid agreed to be the moderator. -FMT