DAP agrees to Rahman-Guan Eng debate on TV3, come April 19

DAP has agreed to the much-anticipated debate over the land in Taman Manggis between the Urban Wellbeing, Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan dan Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng on April 19, at 9pm on TV3.

However, DAP national organising secretary Anthony Loke said the party agreed to the date on the condition that the debate should be screened live on the channel.

Anthony said the date was suggested by Abdul Rahman’s private secretary in a text message.

“On April 9, Abdul Rahman’s private secretary, named Jessy, sent me a SMS saying that they have discussed with TV3 and they can do it on April 19, Tuesday.

“So, on April 10, I confirmed through SMS that the debate can be held on April 19, on TV3, provided that it is live.

“Our only condition is that it must be live,” he said at a press conference in DAP headquarters, here, today.

Anthony said, he has also met Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak two days ago.

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“He has agreed to host the debate over RTM live on April 19 as well. But he told me that TV3 has contacted him and requested for RTM to give way for TV3 to host the problem.

“He said he has no problem. He can let TV3 host the debate,” he said adding that there is an understanding with Salleh Said that RTM will be given the opportunity if TV3 cannot screen the debate live.

However, Anthony said to date, he has not been contacted by TV3.

The Barisan Nasional (BN) claims that the DAP-led Penang government sold the Taman Manggis land when it had been earmarked for affordable housing.