PKR has rubbished assertions that holding the debate between party president Anwar Ibrahim and former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak this month would be disrespectful to Ramadan.
Party communications director Fahmi Fadzil, who is negotiating terms for the debate on Anwar's behalf, said there is nothing in Islam that prohibits debates during the fasting month.
"During Ramadan, what is prohibited is doing evil. Muslims are not prevented from debating.
"If Najib is not confident (to debate) during Ramadan, then just say that he isn't confident right now," Fahmi told Malaysiakini.
Anwar and Najib are set to debate on Sapura Energy Bhd's financial woes - but the terms of the debate, as well as the time and place, have not been set.
Fahmi was responding to Selangor BN chief Isham Jalil, Najib's negotiator, who said that Anwar's team should respect those who are fasting during the day, and performing tarawih prayers at night.
"Surely we’re not going to debate while fasting, or after tarawih prayers late into the night? After the fasting month, we can debate to our hearts’ content,” Isham added.
Fahmi, however, argued that this made little sense.
No excuses
This is as Parliament had met on Monday during the fasting month to debate anti-hopping laws, while several past by-elections have also been held during Ramadan.
He further added that Prophet Muhammad even engaged in warfare during Ramadan - such as during the Badr war and the conquest of Mecca.
Therefore, Fahmi said Ramadan should not be used as an excuse to refrain from debating.
"In fact, Ramadan is the best time to show how we can differ in opinion and argue with manners instead of hurling slander," he said, adding that it can be an opportunity for leaders to lead by example.
Fahmi and Isham are expected to negotiate details regarding the debate later today.
Besides the time and date, other things that will be discussed are media partners and moderators, he added. Isham confirmed with Malaysiakini yesterday that he will be meeting Fahmi today.
Najib wants the debate to be broadcast live and several media agencies are reportedly in talks to host the event.
The Universiti Malaya Students’ Union has offered to moderate.
Bailout for Sapura
Sapura Energy is a public-listed company but has received large investments from state-owned Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), which is in charge of funds such as Amanah Saham Bumiputera and Amanah Saham Malaysia.
PNB holds a 40 percent stake in Sapura Energy, which had increased significantly from slightly more than 10 percent held in 2018 as it continued to pump money into the firm, which was facing financial challenges.
Sapura Energy recently required further financial help, raising questions if PNB will have to pump further funds to get the firm out of its financial woes.
Najib has proposed a government bailout for Sapura, while PKR's Rafizi Ramli said the company's new management can sort things out for themselves. - Mkini
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