Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak stressed that Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) had only offered to broadcast the live debate between DAP’s Tony Pua and 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) president Arul Kanda Kandasamy.
“RTM is not retracting. Just that, since there will not be a debate between Pua and Arul Kanda, therefore there is nothing to broadcast.
“However, this doesn’t mean that RTM doesn’t have slots for other similar forums,” the Communication and Multimedia Minister told reporters at Parliament lobby today.
When asked if RTM would still air the debate between Arul Kanda and Pua’s replacement, Salleh said Pua’s replacement was not the issue.
“This is not about the replacement, it’s not about Pakatan Harapan, DAP or 1MDB, this (live debate) was about Pua and Arul Kanda.
“Whoever the replacement is, it doesn’t matter because the issue was about the two people who challenged each other,” he said.
Salleh added that at this point, any TV station that wants to air the live debate between Arul Kanda and Pua’s replacement is free to do so.
Previously Pua had challenged Arul Kanda to debate him live on matters surrounding the debt-ridden 1MDB.
The challenge was made following Arul Kanda’s interview in the talkshow “Bernama TV with Arul Kanda” that was hosted by the TV station’s Suriati Sanusi and deputy editor-in-chief (Economic Service) Mikhail Raj Abdullah on Oct 28.
However, matters arose when Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia stated that Pua could only debate Arul Kanda on 1MDB if the former relinquished his post in the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
This was because PAC is currently investigating the state investment fund and there would be conflict of interest.
On top of that, Pandikar Amin had also said that Arul Kanda cannot appear as a witness before the PAC if he wants to debate Pua.
Subsequently, Pakatan Harapan, of which DAP is part of, was adamant on the debate taking place, saying they would appoint another member to replace Pua.
Harits Asyraf Hasnan, Hafiz Marzukhi
Wed Nov 04 2015
SALLEH: Whoever Pua's replacement is, it doesn't matter because the issue was about the two people who had challenged each other.
Former special forces commander Prabowo to take up Indonesian presidency
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto will take over as president of the world's third-largest democracy after sweeping the country's election with policies like free meals for school children
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Trump says he would impose tariffs on China if China went into Taiwan
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would impose additional tariffs on China if China were to "go into Taiwan,"
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.