1MDB live debate an insult to parliament, says PAC member

(The Star) – The proposed TV debate between Public Accounts Committee member Tony Pua and 1Malaysia Development Bhd chief executive Arul Kanda Kandasamy is an insult to Parliament, said fellow PAC member Datuk Liang Teck Meng.

Liang, the Simpang Renggam MP, said no respectable parliament in the world would allow it, adding that Pua should respect the institution as 1MDB was now subject to parliamentary inquiry.

“If this was a legal case, it is as good as a member of the jury or judge arguing with the accused on live TV before the court case. That would be subjudice,” Liang said in a statement on Thursday.

He reminded Pua, the Petaling Jaya Utara MP,  that he is also a PAC member investigating 1MDB and “will be in the process to determine if there is any wrong-doing.”

“What happens if Tony loses badly and holds a grudge against Arul which may subconsciously impair his fairness and judgement during the PAC inquiry?,” said Liang.

On Thursday, Arul Kanda agreed to meet the challenge by Pua on a “live talk show” to dispel any allegations made against 1MDB on the condition that Pua resigned from the PAC.

Pua replied saying Arul Kanda’s condition made no sense.