KUALA LUMPUR – Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has hit out at former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for “flip-flopping”, saying the government backbencher should stop changing his mind over the date for the two to debate on financially distressed Sapura Energy Bhd.
Anwar said he is ready to answer Najib’s challenge any time without conditions, save for making it public and allowing all media outlets to participate so Malaysians can make their own judgement on the matter.
“Najib initially wanted to debate during Ramadan, but now says it should be early Syawal. I hope he stops ‘berdolak-dalik’ (flip-flopping). He issued a challenge, and I answered. God-willing, we will meet.
“However, I firmly believe this debate should be open to public viewing, not just one a small (news) portal. Media participation should not be restricted to foster a healthy and open culture of discourse,” he said on his Facebook page last night.
However, Najib is not taking the criticism lying down. This morning, he posted on Facebook refuting Anwar’s claims over debate dates.
“Gang PKR and Anwar accused me of issuing a debate challenge during Ramadan but this was started by Rafizi. Fahmi said the most appropriate time to debate is after Ramadan, taking into account the holy month, scheduling and TV time slots,” he said referring to PKR members Fahmi Fadzil and Rafizi Ramli.
“You were the ones who challenged me, I answered. You suggested for it to be held after Ramadan, but now you’re accusing me of being a coward.
“I’m not scared at all. I guarantee that I will debate against Anwar over the Sapura Energy issue.”
He added that his aide and Selangor Barisan Nasional information chief Isham Jalil met with Fahmi to set a date, claiming the PKR man told the media something different than what was discussed.
Fahmi was on April 5 tasked to coordinate and facilitate arrangements with Najib’s team on the time and date for their upcoming debate.
Anwar had also indicated that Fahmi would make arrangements for the debate to be aired on live television and on social media.
A day before, Najib said he was looking forward to debating with Anwar and Rafizi.
“Game on. I agree to debate with Anwar. Let’s rock! I ask Anwar and Rafizi’s team to make arrangements with the media if they intend for it (debate) to be aired live.”
Rafizi, who is PKR vice-president, had previously challenged Najib to a debate over the embattled Sapura Energy, a public-listed company with large financial backing from state-owned Perbadanan Nasional Bhd (PNB), which holds a 40% stake in the company.
Sapura Energy’s financial woes recently came under the spotlight, with the firm’s requirement for further financial aid raising questions on whether PNB, which is also in charge of funds like Amanah Saham Bumiputera, would have to pump further funds. – The Vibes, April 14, 2022
