RTM ready to broadcast Onn Hafiz–Maszlee dialogue

Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi (left) previously turned down a challenge to debate former education minister Maszlee Malik ahead of the Johor state election.

MUAR: Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) is ready to facilitate a dialogue session between Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi and former education minister Maszlee Malik.

Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil raised the possibility of the event being held in Johor Bahru, adding that it could be a “civil discussion” on Johor’s direction ahead of next Saturday’s state election.

“I believe Onn Hafiz is ready to be invited for a dialogue — not a debate,” he said.

On June 23, Maszlee accepted a challenge issued by Facebook page WOW Malaysia to debate Onn Hafiz ahead of the state election.

However, Onn Hafiz turned down the challenge, stating that it was not the “Johor way” to engage in verbal sparring or hold open debates.

Onn Hafiz, the Johor Barisan Nasional chairman, will defend the Machap seat in the July 11 state polls, while Maszlee will be looking to win the Puteri Wangsa seat.