KUALA LUMPUR – The President of PKR, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim accepted the challenge thrown by former Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak for an open debate.
According to Anwar, he has been waiting for the opportunity for 10 years as the Member of Parliament (MP) of Pekan refused to debate with him when challenged earlier.
“I noted the debate challenge by the former Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak. I have always been clear and have not shifted my stance for more than 10 years, when, I issued the similar challenge to him, but he did not accept it.
“Now, he chose to challenge me in early Ramadan after failing to answer Rafizi Ramli’s rebuttal on Sapura bail-out crisis when the people are poor and the small businesses are not protected,” he said in a statement today.
Earlier, Najib accepted Rafizi’s challenge for a debate under the condition that it must also be attended by Anwar.
The Pekan MP issued that statement after Rafizi challenged him to a debate on issues surrounding Sapura Energy Berhad.
“Rafizi wants to debate about Sapura? Sure. But ask your boss, Anwar Ibrahim to debate with me. You may debate on the same stage or assist him.
“Two against one, no problem.
“This is just like the case when Azmin challenged me to a debate on Felda issues during the Johor State Election. I agreed under the condition of Muhyiddin to debate with me. Azmin may debate together or help Muhyiddin,” Najib said yesterday.
Elaborating further, Anwar quoted a Malay warrior poem and said that he does not fear the challenge.
Tuan Puteri pergi ke Lukut,
Bawa pulang kacang panjang,
Sedikit pun hamba tak takut,
Kalau berani turun gelanggang.
“I am ready anytime to face and debate with Najib for the benefit of the country and the people,” he added. – MalaysiaGazette
