Call off debate, says Pandikar

KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia thinks the proposed debate between 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) chief executive officer Arul Kanda Kandasamy and DAP's MP Tony Pua should be called off.
Pandikar told the Dewan Rakyat today that the debate will compromise investigations into the 1MDB issue as Pua is a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) member while Arul Kanda is a key witness in the probe.
"Pua is in the PAC, and Arul Kanda is an important witness... this will compromise the credibility of the probe and also raises the issue of subjudice," said Pandikar adding that if they want to proceed with the debate:-
>> Pua must quit PAC;
>> Pua must recuse himself from any investigation on 1MDB; and
>> Arul Kanda must recuse himself as a witness before the PAC.
Pua had challenged Arul Kanda to answer allegations surrounding 1MDB on a live TV talk show and Multimedia and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak had proposed that RTM air the debate live.
The conditions set by Pandikar were not received well by the opposition lawmakers who demanded further explanations from him.
Anthony Loke (DAP - Seremban) asked if there had been any discussion between the Speaker and the government that had resulted in the decision, but Pandikar denied this.
"The role of the executive is to govern the country, while mine is to ensure that the Standing order are adhered to," Pandikar said.
"If I allow for the debate to take place, it will mean the debate is more important than the PAC.
If I allow it, then the PAC might as well be non-existent," he added.
And to show his seriousness about the issue, Pandikar issued an ultimatum, saying that if both parties insist on having the debate, he does not want to get involved with it and will resign from his position as Speaker.
He also questioned the need to rush for a debate amidst ongoing investigations by the PAC.
"Will the debate bring upon a definitive conclusion (to the issue)? The answer is no. We can debate the issue in Parliament as soon as the PAC comes out with a finding. Why should we take the issue outside?" he asked.
Speaking at a press conference in Parliament lobby later, Pua said he will seek a review from Pandikar, but stressed he will abide by the Speaker's decisions, even though he finds it unfair.
He said this is because Arul Kanda can be considered the most important witness in PAC's 1MDB probe and he must not be recused.
"I cannot allow Arul Kanda to be prevented to testify before the PAC in the ongoing investigation.
"As a responsible MP, I have to (abide), I cannot jeopardise the investigation, especially when Arul Kanda is forbidden to come before the PAC," said Pua who also rubbished Salleh's offer to host the debate live on RTM on Friday.
Pua said he will be in Sarawak on Friday, and Salleh had not even bothered to check if he will be available on that date.
Meanwhile, Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin is also of the view that the planned debate will not solve the controversy surrounding the state-owned firm.
"It can provide enlightenment to the public, but it will not solve the 1MDB issue," said Khairy, adding that it is up to Pua and Arul Kanda to have the debate if they believe it can provide the best solution.
"To me, the most important thing is the investigation process conducted by the Public Accounts Committee," he added.