Media house Karangkraf Sdn Bhd will not appeal the police decision to cancel the eagerly awaited debate between former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Barisan Nasional minister Nazri Abdul Aziz, its owner said today.

Speaking to The Malaysian Insight, Hussamuddin Yaacub said the group will respect the Selangor police’s decision but will continue to organise other dialogues as usual.

He said there is no reason to appeal as the decision is plain for all to see.

 “Memang dia tak nak bagi. Ini kali pun tak bagi. (They just do not want to give. They also did not want to allow this debate),” he said in a telephone interview.

The debate between Dr Mahathir and Nazri was first scheduled to take place at MRSM Sultan Azlan Shah, Kuala Kangsar, Perak, on March 25 but the Perak police rejected the application. 

As for the debate between the duo, Hussamuddin said it was up to them to proceed with it.

“We have done our part and the next decision is up to them.”

Police in a statement released today said the decision to cancel the permit was done based on several factors.

Among them were complaints from residents and those around the debate venue. Selangor deputy police chief Deputy Commissioner Mohd Fuad Abdul Latiff said they have received 18 reports so far.

“They are worried for their families’ safety. The protest came from the people,” said Fuad in a statement. 

Police intelligence reports also showed there were certain groups out to create trouble if the debate were to take place.

“Police do not only focus on the safety and security for that day but also on the safety and security of the public after the debate.”

Fuad said action will be taken against those who refused to adhere to the order. 

However, lawyer Syahredzan Johan said the police reasoning on public complaints was flawed.

Syahredzan said police could always impose certain conditions to allow the debate to proceed.

“The police could’ve determined the best time for the debate or the limit the number of people who can attend it,” he said.

 He added that the question of permits for a debate was moot.

 “Under the current law, a permit is not required,” he said. “All the organiser need to do was to send a 10-day notice.

 “I believe they have fulfilled all the requirements (Peaceful Assembly Act 2012) before sending in the notification.”

 However, the constitutional lawyer said a notice was still needed although the debate was to be held in private premises, such as the Karangkraf office.

Karangkraf media group notified the police about the debate on March 27. Selangor police initially approved it on Friday but retracted the approval the next day. The Karangkraf office, in Section 15 of Shah Alam, is in an industrial area. – April 2, 2017.