Tun M, Nazri debate should go on - Ali Rustam

The debate between Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz should be allowed to take place, said former Melaka chief minister Tan Sri Mohd Ali Rustam.

He said the much anticipated debate between the two leaders will be able to solve many questions on issues like the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

He said although the 1MDB issue has been answered several times by the government, it is still being talked about.

Mohd Ali said Nazri's brave move to use the platform to provide explanation can also solve many questions by the public.

He said debates by two leaders of different parties has become a norm in foreign countries and he is also of the opinion that such culture should be practised here.

"The world is more open now and we see politicians debating whenever issues crop up. So, we have also come to a point where politics have matured in Malaysia.

"We want to listen to them debate and make a matured decision. Although the issue is over, yet the slander is still being spread. We believe Nazri has his own strengths in countering Tun M's points," Mohd Ali said last night.

Commenting further, he said as both parties are ready for the debate, then it must be allowed to take place.

The planned debate between Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Culture and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz at Karangkraf Complex on April 7 has been cancelled in the interest of security and public order.

READ: "Actually, they are afraid", says Dr Mahathir

Selangor deputy police chief, Datuk Mohd Fuad Abdul Latiff said 18 police reports had so far been received from the public who objected to the proposed debate.

This is the second time the debate between the two leaders has been cancelled.

It was first slated to take place at MRSM Sultan Azlan Shah, Kuala Kangsar on March 25 but police had rejected the application to hold the debate.