A test for Najib: Anwar's office reiterates debate dare, clarifies Assange interview

Firstly, we wish to clarify that the invitation filed by Wikileaks to the Office of Dato 'Seri Anwar Ibrahim was an interview between Julian Assange with Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

It was only later that we were told that Raja Petra would like to make an appearance in the interview as well. As such, Dato 'Seri Anwar Ibrahim decided to stick to the original request, which was to be a one-on-one interview between himself and Julian Assange.

This led to Quick Roll Productions, the production house involved in arranging the interview, making the editorial decision to keep to the original format between Julian Assange and Anwar Ibrahim, without involving any other person. This editorial decision was made by Quick Roll Productions on its own and not compelled by the Office of Dato 'Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar reiterates debate challenge

Secondly, we felt compelled to go public with the details after Prime Minister Dato 'Seri Najib Razak used the issue as a platform to ridicule Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, whom he alleged feared an open debate with Raja Petra. We regret that Dato 'Seri Najib Razak did not speak based on facts because the original agreement was a one-on-one interview between Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Julian Assange.

Since the Prime Minister seems keen on open debates, we stand by our belief that it would do everybody in the nation good if Dato 'Seri Najib Razak would agree to a debate with the Opposition Leader, YB Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

A debate between the Honorable Leader of the Opposition with the Prime Minister on national issues will certainly provide tremendous benefits to the people of Malaysia.

Hence, Dato 'Seri Najib Razak's refusal to debate with Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim raises questions in the minds of therakyat (the good people of Malaysia) whether the Prime Minister is anxious or just simply does not have the commitment to improve the practice of democracy in this country.

Ibrahim Yaacob, Head of Staff

Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Office