If no debate could take place in Malaysia, do it in Antarctica - Nazri

The dialogue with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad can be held abroad if it is barred in Malaysia, said Tourism and Culture Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.

According to him, his quarters are ready to fix a new date including holding the dialogue at a police premises.

He stressed that he had no issue to debate with the former Prime Minister,

“We can do it in London, in Antarctica, anytime. If it is barred in Malaysia, we do it Antarctica, there are penguins there, penguins do not understand Bahasa Melayu or English,” said a cynic Mohamed Nazri during a Press conference at Parliament, here today.

Selangor Deputy Chief Police, Datuk Mohd Fuad Abdul Latiff on Sunday said, the dialogue between Dr Mahathir and Mohamed Nazri was scheduled on April 7 but had to be called off due to safety reasons, rights security and public freedom.

Mohd Fuad said, police had received at least 18 reports from Selangor opposing the debate.

Mohamed Nazri rejected the motion for the debate to be held at a closed area and only to be streamed online.

“I wish to meet him in physical (face-to-face). I want an audience and refused to be watched only on social media.

“Why was the debate cancelled, I’m not sure. Maybe I’m seen as a threat to the country, not for Dr Mahathir because he is already old,” he said.

Prior to this, the debate was slated for March 25 at Padang Rengas, Perak but it was shelved due to safety reasons.