Cabinet minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan aborting his debate with Penang Chief Lim Guan Eng on account of the inspector-general of police’s (IGP) call is merely an “exit strategy” to avoid a public debate, said DAP.

DAP organising secretary Anthony Loke said in doing so, the minister is depriving Lim of an opportunity to offer his explanation and replies to the mainstream media audience.

“We repeat (Lim) is always ready and brave enough to debate with Abdul Rahman about the Taman Manggis land issue and the purchase of his bungalow.

“The chance for him to clarify the truth to the public who only watch TV3 has now been denied through all kinds of blocks,” said Loke in a statement today.

This, he said, does not reflect well on Abdul Rahman’s credibility.

"The one who challenged Lim to the debate was Abdul Rahman. Lim accepted the challenge without conditions.

"Now, the one who is withdrawing from that debate is Abdul Rahman himself.

"Let the people assess his credibility and see his dirty political games to try to cut down Lim's political stature, by hitting him with all kinds of wild allegations through the mainstream media and denying Lim his right to defend himself through the same channels," said Loke.

TV3 cancellation 'disappointing'

The Seremban MP also regretted TV3 's cancellation, saying it was "disappointing" as he had worked closely with the station to organise the programme prior to the latest decision.

"Over the last two days, I have given my fullest cooperation to the TV3 staff and agreed with many of the suggestions they had given concerning the format of the debate, the time allotted and the choice of the moderator," he said.

He added the station's reasons for cancellation would not give the people much confidence.

Yesterday TV3 , which was scheduled to air the debate, cancelled the programme after advice from the IGP that it would be prejudicial to the ongoing probe into the matter.

Police advised Abdul Rahman, who is BN strategic communications director, to instead submit all evidence he has to the authorities.

Following this, the minister said he would take his case on a roadshow to “explain the double scandals” of the Penang chief minister to the public.

Lim has been under attack over a plot of land in Taman Manggis, as well the purchase of his bungalow in Penang allegedly at below market value.

The chief minister has denied any wrongdoing and has urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to probe the matter swiftly.