Let’s debate first, I can sue you later, Guan Eng tells Abdul Rahman
(MMO) – Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today accused Umno minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan of chickening out of his own challenge to debate the Taman Manggis land issue by telling him to take the matter to court.
The DAP secretary-general pointed out that if he were to accede to Abdul Rahman’s suggestion to sue him for defamation, the minister would later cite subjudice as reason not to proceed with the public showdown.
“This is a classic tactic of cowards; similar to the explanation used by a person accused of murdering both his parents pleading for clemency because he is an orphan,” Lim said in a statement.
The Bagan MP pointed out that he would have plenty of time ― at least six years ― to file a lawsuit against Abdul Rahman once the debate is held.
He told the Umno man to be patient and to agree to the debate, also reminding him that he was the one who first issued the challenge some months ago.
“I will not allow Abdul Rahman to chicken out from the debate and get off the hook so easily,” Lim vowed.
On Tuesday, Abdul Rahman reportedly told Lim to sue him in court if he wanted so badly to hold a debate on the Taman Manggis issue.
The minister, according to Umno Online, pointed out that if he were sued, he would be compelled to answer to Lim’s queries in court.
Abdul Rahman also reportedly claimed that Lim has called him a coward and a political whore, but the latter denied the accusation today, saying he has never used such vulgar language against the politician.
An April 19 debate between Lim and Abdul Rahman was called off after the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and police advised against it, citing the ongoing probe on the issue and Lim’s house controversy.
Abdul Rahman on April 16 issued a statement agreeing to withdraw from the debate, despite describing the matter as regrettable.
Lim has been accused of corrupt practices over the sale of Taman Manggis to the Kuala Lumpur International Dental Centre (KLIDC) as well as his purchase of his RM2.8 million house for allegedly below market value from an individual critic linked to the firm.
