Speaker says will block 1MDB debate

(Malay Mail Online) – Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia said he will prohibit any public debate on 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) while it remains under investigation by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

The Dewan Rakyat Speaker also said that DAP’s Tony Pua must resign from the committee if the latter is adamant on debating 1MDB chief executive Arul Kanda Kandasamy.

A debate between the two would affect the PAC’s probe on 1MDB as both men are intricately involved, he explained.

“I cannot allow the debate on 1MDB between Pua and Arul Kanda because PAC investigation is still ongoing.

“It is better if the investigations continue and not a debate because there would not be a solution from debates,” he told the Parliament today.

Pandikar said he will only allow the debate to continue on three conditions: Pua’s resignation from PAC; or Pua’s avoidance of any further investigation on the firm and Arul Kanda’s excusal from being called as witness.

“If he (Pua) doesn’t resign, he should not involve himself in any of the PAC proceedings involving 1MDB and Arul Kanda can no longer be involved in the proceedings to ensure transparency,” Pandikar said.

The Dewan Rakyat Speaker added that he will quit his post if Putrajaya insists on holding the debate despite his objection, but did not specify a reason.

He added that the public should be patient for the PAC to complete its probe on 1MDB, saying that such a debate would tarnish the credibility of the committee.

“Why can’t this debate wait until after the PAC probe is completed? Why the rush? Can’t this wait for the investigation to be completed, then you can debate,” Pandikar stressed.

Pua, who is also Petaling Jaya Utara MP and a member of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, challenged Arul Kanda last Wednesday to a discussion on live TV following the latter’s appearance in an interview by national news agency Bernama, which the 1MDB chief later accepted.

It is tentatively scheduled for this Friday.