KUALA LUMPUR – Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has asked his PKR communications chief Fahmi Fadzil to coordinate and facilitate arrangements with Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s team on the time and date for their upcoming debate over the financially troubled Sapura Holdings Bhd.
The PKR president had also indicated that the Lembah Pantai MP will make arrangements for the debate to be aired on live television and on social media.
“He (Fahmi) has also been asked to speak with the media on the coverage of the said debate, which I believe should be widely broadcast,” Anwar said in a brief post on his official Facebook page.
Yesterday, Najib said he was looking forward to debating with Anwar and his fellow PKR member Rafizi Ramli on the Sapura issue.
“Game on. I agree to debate with Anwar. Let’s rock!” Najib said in a Facebook post.
“I ask Anwar and Rafizi’s team to make arrangements with the media if they intend for it (debate) to be aired live.”
Najib also told the two opposition leaders to contact his assistant to find a date that suits everyone involved.
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.
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.
In response, Anwar yesterday said he accepted the challenge from the Pekan MP to a debate. – The Vibes, April 5, 2022