1MDB debate: RTM only offered to air debate between Tony Pua, Arul Kanda

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.