MACC panel wants Rahman Dahlan-Guan Eng debate cancelled

PETALING JAYA: A body overseeing the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is urging for the debate between Urban Well-being, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to be cancelled as it may conflict with ongoing investigations.

"Taking into account recent developments, as the chairman of the Special Committee on Corruption (SCC), I hope that all parties involved reconsider the debate.

"The SCC is of the view that as the MACC is currently investigating the case, it is best that the event be cancelled.

"The SACC is concerned that should the debate continue, it will jeopardise the investigation currently being conducted by the MACC," said Senator Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang in a statement on Sunday.

"We must leave it to the authorities to conduct a full investigation. I suggest that all parties involve give their cooperation to the MACC," he said.

He urged any parties that may have facts, documents, evidence or witnesses to the Taman Manggis land issue, or the issue of the bungalow purchased by Lim submit their information to the commission rather than have an open debate.

The DAP secretary-general and Barisan Nasional strategic communications director were to debate the Taman Manggis land issue and RM2.8mil bungalow purchase after Abdul Rahman returns from his trip abroad on Apr 15.

Abdul Rahman had on Wednesday, challenged Lim to a public debate on two property issues in Penang, after producing what he claimed was fresh evidence of corruption against the Chief Minister.

Lim duly accepted the challenge and said he was prepared to have the one-on-one debate telecast live on television.