KUALA LUMPUR: Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has no qualms about inviting individuals who have challenged him to a debate in his newly established podcast, 'Yang Bakar Menteri'.
In a posting on Facebook today, Rafizi said this includes inviting Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Puad Zarkashi, sacked Umno member Isham Jalil as well as blogger Lim Sian See.
He also said despite being strong supporters of the former prime minister Datuk Sri Najib Razak, the three figures have become staunch supporters of the opposition, following continuous attacks towards him.
"Previously, there were figures like Isham and Lim who offered to have a session with me in the podcast and I have no issues about it.
"Throughout my career, I have attended and participated in various debates and forums and even challenged (the former prime minister) Najib for a debate prior to the 15th General Election (GE15).
"(And) such characters (of these three people) are being supported by PN cyber-activists when the fact is that none of their leaders are bold enough to face me in the podcast," he said.
At the same time, Rafizi added that such an invitation would be finalised once 'feedback' was given by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Umno president.
"I know that they want to guest (in the podcast) as they have their own agenda. (And) they also know that I am bound by the rules of the government.
"This means that I am not free to say anything that will cause friction between Umno and the other coalitions in the Madani government.
"Hence, I should first receive feedback from Anwar and Zahid, which we shall know (the feedback) in March."
Rafizi is currently hospitalised for two weeks after undergoing spinal surgery. He had mentioned hopes of returning to work and continuing his podcast in March.
In an immediate response, Lim Sian See said he was looking forward to debating Rafizi.
"It's a date," he said, adding he hoped one of the 22 administrators of Rafizi's Facebook page would contact him to arrange for him to appear on the podcast.
"But I hope it will be a separate session from my two friends (Isham and Puad) so I can have a one-on-one with Rafizi because I have many questions for him."