PETALING JAYA, 29 April 2009: AgendaDaily is willing to sponsor a televised debate between Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim and former de facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim – provided both agree to it.
“If Rais gives a clear indication that he is open to it, we are willing to jump in and organise something,” said AgendaDaily editor-in-chief Rosli Ismail today in a phone interview with The Nut Graph.
Rosli said that once both parties agreed to a debate, he would negotiate with a national television station for a live telecast.
“It’s as simple as that. There wouldn’t be any problem,” Rosli added.
On 24 April, Rais challenged Zaid to a debate over the former law minister’s allegations against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Later the same day, Zaid was quoted as saying that he was ready to face Rais “anywhere, any place, anytime”, provided that Rais was specific on the debate topic.
Rais has yet to respond to Zaid’s answer to his challenge.
“Right now we haven’t heard from Rais. That’s why we haven’t looked seriously into the idea,” Rosli said.
AgendaDaily sponsored the 15 July 2008 “Form the government today, reduce fuel prices tomorrow” televised debate between PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and then-Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek. The hour-long debate was televised on TV9, Astro Awani and Bernama TV, and streamed live on Global Media Channel and BernamaTV.
Later, on 20 Aug 2008, the online news portal organised a live debate between Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his predecessor Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon on a land scam in the state. 
raguel says
Rais is fearful the truth will be exposed…