Nancy suggests an open debate be conducted between Shafee and Bar Council

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM) Nancy Shukri has proposed a public debate be conducted by lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah with the Bar Council.

She said, this would put an end to questions raised over opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy case.

“Let the public hear them debate. Once is enough. Muhammad Shafee need not hold a roadshow,” Nancy told reporters during a Chinese New Year open house hosted by the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) in Kuching, Sarawak today.

The minister opined that Muhammad Shafee’s move in conducting public forms on the case may create a negative perception towards the Government.

“I would prefer if he not overdo it,” she said referring to Muhammad Shafee’s plans to conduct go on a roadshow organised by UMNO Youth.

Nancy said, the roadshow meant to explain the Federal Court’s decision to uphold Anwar’s conviction and five-year jail term for sodomy may bring about a negative impact.

“The Government has not asked him to do it. Muhammad Shafee is only doing it because there was a request by a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

"Previously Shafee had only been asked to explain the case to international groups consisting of ambassadors and foreign representatives who do not fully understand the case.

“The people want to hear the facts of the case from Muhammad Shafee because they cannot read the judgement as it is too long,” Nancy said.

She added, the public are also not clear on the facts of the case because they may have only read what was written on social media sites, especially those that are pro-opposition.

“We cannot stop him (Muhammad Shafee). He is obliged to tell the people on what had happened. He has been discredited by certain quarters for what he’s doing.

“He is also in a very difficult position on whether or not he should do it,” explained Nancy who said Muhammad Shafee had been invited to do so.