Anwar-Shabery Debate tonite
KUANTAN: The fuel price debate between Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be aired live on TV9, Astro Awani and Bernama TV.
Ahmad Shabery said he preferred it not to be aired by RTM as this could be seen as him trying to seek popularity.
However, RTM could air the debate live if its director-general wished to, especially because RTM is available throughout the country, he told reporters after the official opening of the new state broadcasting complex here yesterday.
The debate is organised by news portal Agenda Daily and will take place at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka in Kuala Lumpur at 8.30pm today.
Ahmad Shabery said the debate had to be aired live so that the public would not have the perception that it was being doctored before going on air.
“The debate is to have a clear picture of the government’s decisions and policies as well as to correct public perception on the matter,” he said.
He said all this while, the Opposition, and particularly Anwar, had been giving misleading information.
“As Information Minister, it is my responsibility to inform them on what is right,” he added.
Meanwhile, PKR vice-president Azmin Ali said the party was ready for the debate but was not sure if Barisan Nasional was ready.
“In fact, Anwar wants to debate with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi or Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak or both of them, and not the Information Minister.
“We are prepared to go on,” he said at the Parliament lobby yesterday.
Anwar has reportedly promised to reduce fuel prices if the Opposition formed the government.