1MDB Debate off ?

It will compromise CREDIBILITY of PAC probe, says Speaker Tony Pua ‘ GAGGED’ by PAC chairman

KUALA LUMPUR: The highly anticipated debate between 1Malaysia Development Berhad ( 1 MDB) c hi e f executive officer Arul Kanda Kandasamy and DAP MP Tony Pua looks like it’s off.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday that the debate will compromise investigations into the 1MDB issue as Pua is a member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) while Arul Kanda is a key witness in the probe.

“This will compromise the credibility of the probe and also raises the issue of subjudice,” said Pandikar.

PAC chairman Datuk Hasan Arifin, meanwhile, has also placed a gag order preventing Pua from talking about 1MDB at the debate.

Pandikar said if the duo insist on going ahead 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. Speaking at a press conference at the Parliament lobby later, Pua said he will seek a review from Pandikar, but stressed he will abide by the

Speaker’s ruling, 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 from testifying before the PAC in the ongoing investigation.

“As a responsible MP, I have to (abide), I cannot jeopardise the investigation,” said Pua.

He 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 well-received 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 Orders are adhered to,” Pandikar said.

“If I allow 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.

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 and will resign from his position as Speaker.

He also questioned the need to rush the debate amidst ongoing investigations by the PAC.