1MDB debate: Rafizi Ramli replaces Tony Pua

Pandan member of Parliament Rafizi Ramli will replace Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua in the debate with 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) chief Arul Kanda Kandasamy.

Pakatan Harapan, in a statement today said the decision was taken out of respect for the Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia who had said that as a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) member, Pua should not debate with Arul Kanda.

The statement was signed by PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and Parti Amanah Negara (AMANAH) president Mohamad Sabu.

The Opposition also suggested that the debate be aired live in Malay language.

Pua had challenged Arul Kanda to debate him live on matters surrounding the debt-ridden 1MDB, following his interview with Bernama TV on Oct 28.

However, matters arose when Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia said Pua could only debate with Arul Kanda on 1MDB if the former relinquished his post in the PAC.

This was because PAC is currently investigating the state investment fund and there would be conflict of interest.