Nazri criticises police over decision to reject debate with Dr Mahathir

Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz has criticised the police’s decision to reject the application of an open debate of him with former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He insisted for the debate to be held on the date, time and venue which has been set.

“I’ve said many times that this is not a public assembly. Why is a debate between Tun Mahathir and me not allowed? I do not understand.

“This is not a public assembly, as that requires 10 days and is only allowed at selected venues. The venue should not be the reason to stop this debate.

“Since when have we become a police state? This is not a police state… this is Malaysia, a democratic country,” he said during a press conference at the Parliament lobby today.

The debate is scheduled to take place at Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) Sultan Azlan Shah, Kuala Kangsar and will highlight several scandals like the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and Bumiputra Malaysia Finance (BMF).

“I urge Sinar Harian as the organiser to continue with this debate.

“This coming 25th… I will still come. I do not want this country to be a police state. I will still come,” he insisted.