1MDB debate most likely will be politicised - Mukhriz

The debate between 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) President and Group Executive Director Arul Kanda Kandasamy and Tony Pua or Rafizi Ramli may not necessarily help clear the air, but in fact, would most likely be politicised, said Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Tun Mahathir.

He said the MPs for Petaling Jaya Utara and Pandan, respectively, were known to be very adept at politicising an issue.

"I am not sure if the debate will help, especially if it is politicised, because at first it was Tony Pua, then Rafizi. We know both politicians are very skilled at politicising issues," he told reporters at Kedah UMNO headquarters here today.

He added that the involvement of Tony Pua, who is also Selangor DAP chairman, and Rafizi, the secretary-general of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), in the debate would not guarantee that the 1MDB issue will not be politicised.

Mukhriz said what should now be done is to clear up the issue of 1MDB's integrity without it being 'contaminated' by political issues.

"I am not convinced that the debate will not be politicised if Tony or Rafizi are involved. If there is a debate, I think perhaps it should be with people who are not politicians," he said.

On the rejection by Kedah PAS on the offer of cooperation from Kedah UMNO, Mukhriz said it was a sincere offer to work together with the opposition party in certain areas.

He said UMNO had extended an offer of friendship but it was not reciprocated by PAS.

"We will continue working towards it as we are sincere. If they (PAS) accept, then it is good, if not, what can we do?" he said.

Yesterday, Kedah PAS Commissioner Dr Ahmad Fakhruddin Syeikh Fakhurazi said in a statement that the party was firm and consistent about not having any political ties or collaboration with UMNO.