Ismail Sabri and Reezal in favour of Arul Kanda-Tony Pua debate

Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has dared Tony Pua to take up the debate call by 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) group executive director Arul Kanda Kandasamy.

He said the Petaling Jaya Utara member of parliament has no excuse to reject the challenge by Arul Kanda who today announced that he was ready to face him on live television regarding 1MDB without any condition.

Pua is also a member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

"Because Tony Pua made various unsubstantiated accusations, I hope he will answer Arul Kanda's challenge," Ismail Sabri told reporters after a programme with Village Development and Security Commitee members at Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan here today.

But to be fair, he added, Pua should resign from the PAC if he wanted to have the debate with Arul Kanda.

In KEPALA BATAS, former PAC member Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican described Arul Kanda and Pua's willingness to face each other on live television on the 1MDB issue as "a golden opportunity".

The Foreign deputy minister said it was the best platform for Arul Kanda to explain about 1MDB in detail.

He said nothing would be hidden as it would be a live telecast, and would allow the people to draw their own conclusions.

"I think the debate or the talk show whatever in nature, for both parties to be appearing live on television, is a golden opportunity for both. I urge both parties not to resist this opportunity...grab it.

"Take this opportunity and allow the people, finally, to become the judge of what you guys want to present," he told reporters after opening the 14th Mimbar Permuafakatan Ibu Bapa Malaysia annual general meeting here today.