Dr M picks Nazri's stronghold for debate

Arrangements are being made to hold a debate between Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Umno minister Nazri Abdul Aziz in Padang Rengas, Perak, said an aide to the former premier.

Padang Rengas is the parliamentary constituency of Nazri, who is also the tourism and culture minister.

“Dr Mahathir welcomes the preparedness of Nazri to have a debate with him on issues concerning the nation.

“Arrangements are being made for the debate to be held in Padang Rengas where Dr Mahathir has been scheduled to visit.

“Details of these arrangements would be submitted to Nazri’s office soon for confirmation. Dr Mahathir is looking forward to the debate,” the aide told Malaysiakini.

Mahathir is slated to visit Padang Rengas on March 25, to which Nazri had sarcastically remarked that he was willing to roll out the red carpet for the former premier.

Earlier today, Nazri told Malaysiakini that he accepted Mahathir's challenge on an unconditional basis, except with regard to the date.

Insisting on wanting the debate to take place, the minister said he was even willing to make the preparations if Mahathir is unable to do so and even agreed to the condition that his supporters are barred from attending.

“Yes, I will do the preparations (for the debate) if he asks me, and yes, everything goes if he wants it. As I have said, on my part (participating in the debate) is unconditional,” he had said.

Nazri, who has been a staunch critic of the former premier, and Mahathir became embroiled in a fresh spat since the start of this month.

On March 1, Nazri described national carmaker Proton Holdings as a white elephant created by Mahathir when he was prime minister for 22 years until 2003.

Mahathir and Nazri later challenged each other to contest in Padang Rengas and Langkawi respectively in the general election.

However, the 91-year-old former premier later said he had no intention of contesting in the general election, but challenged Nazri to a debate instead.

He said the open debate could be on the 1MDB and RM2.6 billion scandal, the RM55 billion East Coast Railway Link or even the Bumiputera Malaysia Finance (BMF) scandal.- Mkini