Anytime: Anwar accepts Najib’s challenge to debate

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysians could soon witness a mouth-watering debate featuring two of the country’s most popular politicians – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Datuk Seri Najib Razak – if things go as planned.

In a Facebook post, Anwar, who is parliamentary opposition leader and PKR president, said he accepts the challenge from Najib, the Umno MP for Pekan, to a debate involving the financially troubled Sapura Energy Bhd.

“My stand is clear and unwavering for over 10 years, where I have thrown similar challenges at him (Najib) but (they) were not responded to,” Anwar said.

“He is now choosing to challenge me in the month of Ramadan after failing to respond to a rebuttal by my (party) colleague Rafizi Ramli on Sapura’s ‘bailout’ crisis at a time when the welfare of the poor and small businesses is not protected.

“I am ready to face and debate Najib anytime, for the sake of the country and the people,” he added in a statement.

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 Berhad (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.

Yesterday, Najib, who was prime minister from 2009 to 2018, said he was prepared to accept the debate challenge by Rafizi on the condition that Anwar should also be part of it.

“Both of you can be on the same stage to debate with me or you (Rafizi) can assist him (Anwar). Two versus one, no problem,” he had said.

Later, Rafizi accused Najib of being afraid and looking for excuses to escape the debate after the former prime minister set the condition of requiring Anwar to also be involved.

Nevertheless, the PKR leader had said he would convey Najib’s request to Anwar. 

Incidentally, Rafizi recently announced his comeback after taking a backseat in politics, and made public his intention to contest the PKR deputy president’s seat in the upcoming party election. – The Vibes, April 4, 2022