A HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED debate between former prime minister Najib Razak and PKR president Anwar Ibrahim will take place on May 12 at Dewan Tunku Canselor at Univerisiti Malaya.

In a joint press conference, PKR information chief Fahmi Fadzil and Najib’s aide Isham Jalil said the event would be aired live at 9pm on various media channels that will be announced soon.

Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi said whether the event would admit a physical audience would be announced at a later date.

“The debate will cover three areas: Sapura Energy Bhd’s financial woes, whether it needs to be saved, and the country’s economy, politics and administration.

“Lastly there will be a question-and answer session,” Fahmi said in Kuala Lumpur today.

Malaysia Gazette journalist Haslina AR Kamaludin is the moderator for the event. 

As for the duration of the debate, Fahmi said it could last two hours. 

He said many people were looking forward to the debate which will provide an opportunity for Malaysians to evaluate different ideas, arguments and views, in a peaceful atmosphere that reflects a mature political culture.

Isham said the venue had a capacity for 3,000 but might only hold 500 for the event because of Covid-19 guidelines. 

“So the invitations will be divided equally among Najib, Anwar, media partners and the public.

The media and the public may register to attend the event. 

“We are looking at placing a tent and screen outside the venue.

Sapura Energy, a government-linked company, had announced a loss of RM8.9 billion last year, which Najib said was the largest in history for such an entity. It is his view that the government should bail out the company.

The opposition said the money could be put to better use. – April 17, 2022.