The police have slapped 11 conditions on the holding of a debate on the notorious Internal Security Act (ISA) between two political heavyweights - Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Abdul Aziz ( left ) and parliamentary Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang ( right ).

However, both sides said the rare debate between the two will proceed tonight in Kuala Lumpur's Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall at 8.30pm.

Dang Wangi district police chief Hadi Ho Abdullah had stipulated the conditions in a July 20 letter sent to the organisers of the debate.

According to the letter, the two politicians are banned from making "seditious" speeches during the debate on the security law which allows for detention without trial.

Hadi said "as stipulated under Section (3) (1) (e) and (f) of the Sedition Act 1948, no seditious speeches, or those having seditious tendency, are allowed".

He defined "seditious tendency" as speeches which excite "hatred and animosity among the races in Malaysia" and those which "question the privileges stipulated under Article 152, 153 and 18 of the Federal Constitution".

Article 152 and 153 under the Federal Constitution specify that the status of Malay language as the national language and the special rights of bumiputera should not be questioned, while Article 18 is on the issue of citizenship.

Those found guilty under the Sedition Act may be punished with up to three years' imprisonment and/or a fine of up to RM5,000.

The police had two weeks ago refused to grant a permit for the debate on "security grounds", forcing the parties concerned to lodge an appeal. Subsequently, the police gave the green light, but with an array of conditions.

No 'sensitive' issues

The debate should not also raise any racist, religious or sensitive issues that might cause discontent among the different races.

Hadi also said it would be the responsibility of the organisers - DAP's Youth wing (Dapsy) - to control the crowd and ensure that the area is free from traffic congestion.

"No firearms or explosive materials are allowed to be brought into the hall and no sensitive leaflets should be distributed," he said, adding that the police's instructions have to be followed to the letter throughout the three-hour event.

Other conditions specify that banners or posters with party logos cannot be displayed and that no questions will be allowed from the floor. The debate is to be restricted to indoors only, no loud speakers are allowed outside the hall, and the organisers are banned from raising funds during the event.

In addition, the organisers must also allow the police to videotape the event, which must end by 11.30pm.

Hadi warned that the permit would be "automatically cancelled" and legal action would be taken against the organisers if they fail to comply with these conditions.

Some conditions 'ridiculous'

Dapsy deputy secretary Kuan Perk Siong, a member of the organising committee, said the organisers would try to meet all the conditions to ensure the event proceeds smoothly.

However, he urged the police to be more open to dealing with a "rational" debate on issues that involve the public interest.

"Some of the conditions are ridiculous and irrational," he said, adding that he was disappointed that the audience would not be allowed to ask questions.

He said Hadi himself would be leading the police surveillance during the event, but the police officer could not be reached for comments.