Debate: I agree with IGP, MACC's advice - Abdul Rahman

He said he had to accept the advice from the MACC and IGP because he did want to send the wrong signals to the people especially on complying with the directives and advice of the authorities.

"I have to agree because I am a member of the Cabinet. It is difficult in my capacity as a minister because I will give a signal to the people that as minister I can disregard the directive or advice of the MACC and IGP.

"So, this is the problem to me. But I want to stress I never run from a debate. I have debated with many opposition leaders. The issue of being afraid does not arise. In fact, I am ready. I have been prepared a long time. But when directed by the police, I do not want to give the impression or signal to the people that if a minister himself does not listen to the advice of the IGP, what more the ordinary citizen," he said.

READ: IGP urges TV stations to cancel Abdul Rahman-Lim proposed live debate

Abdul Rahman told this to reporters attending a discussion on current issues with Kota Belud community leaders at the Tamu Site, Kampung Pandasan, here, Saturday.

Following this development, Abdul Rahman urged Guan Eng not to dilly-dally but to quickly give answers and explanations to the MACC and police on the issue of the bungalow and land in Kampung Manggis as requested by the authorities.

Abdul Rahman, who is also Kota Belud Member of Parliament, said the Penang state government and Guan Eng should not view the issue lightly by giving inconsistent answers to the people.

He said the issues related to the poor and marginalised people in Penang and as such the Penang Chief Minister must cooperate and avoid delaying the answers demanded by the people, as they were raised by the Barisan Nasional (BN), non-government organisations (NGO) and several DAP leaders themselves.

Abdul Rahman reminded Guan Eng of his promise during the 2008 General Election to settle the problems of house prices, traffic congestion, would not sell land in criticism of the BN government at that time for implementing sea reclamation projects.

"We want to ask the Penang Chief Minister whether the issues are solved after eight years of being Chief Minister. What we hear is that the problems are not solved. The house prices in Penang are still exorbitantly high, reclamation rampant, hillside developments are still taking place and damage to heritage and environment are still widespread," he said.

In fact, Abdul Rahman said the state government also turned a deaf ear to the NGOs especially those related to human rights and consumerism.