‘I only asked for a postponement’

Charlie Rudai

Sabah Barisan Nasional secretary Abdul Rahman Dahlan has no intention of cancelling his debate with DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang.

KOTA KINABALU: Kota Belud MP Abdul Rahman Dahlan has denied that he is backing out of a debate with DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang over the proposed Tambatuon Dam.


He said he had asked for his debate with Lim, which is scheduled for Sept 24, be postponed.

He said he had been unaware of an official Barisan Nasional engagement scheduled for the same day.
His request for a postponement, he said, should not be construed as him backing out of the challenge to debate with Lim.

Abdul Rahman said following his earlier acceptance of the Sept 24 debate challenge from Lim’s representative, his office had immediately made preparations including booking of Community Hall and notifying the relevant authorities such as the police and district office of the event.

“Unfortunately, in early September, I received a letter from Upko to inform me that their congress would be held on Sept 24, which would be officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin who is also the deputy chairman of Barisan Nasional,” he said.

Abdul Rahman said in view of the clashing dates, he would not be able to attend the debate with Lim.
He said as he was the Sabah BN secretary it was necessary for him to be present at the Upko congress.

“I have informed DAP, through SMSes and calls, of the clash of date and asked for postponement.

“There is no intention to cancel the debate at all.

“What I requested was to postpone due to the visit by the Deputy Prime Minister and the Upko’s congress.

“Anyway, the issue of the proposed Tambatuon Dam will not run away even if the debate is held on different date. It would still be there when the new date is agreed,” he said.

Half-truths and false facts

He sees the debate as a good platform to inform the public of the actual reasons and facts of the proposed Tambatuon Dam project.

“There has been too many speculations circulating around and half-truths and false facts especially by the opposition with regards to the dam.

“The debate will be a good platform to inform the public of the facts.

“I hope DAP understands the situation and agree to a new date and do not politicise the issue of the postponement.

“I have debated DAP MPs in parliament on so many national and state issues and there is no reason for me not to debate then on issue affecting my constituency,” he said.