In early September, BN strategic communications deputy director Eric See-To requested PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli postpone his debate challenge for a month.

Exactly a month later, See-To has accepted the challenge to debate on tax collections. However, there is one condition.

See-To wants Rafizi to convince DAP lawmaker Tony Pua (photo) to accept his earlier challenge to debate on the Penang tunnel project.

“Exactly a month ago, Rafizi challenged me to debate on tax collections.

“As he was busy in a public quarrel with some of his party colleagues then, I requested him to ask me again one month later – which is now.

“However, Rafizi may have forgotten...In any case, I now remind Rafizi of his debate challenge and humbly accept, despite this being the first public debate of my life.

“But I have one condition. I will accept Rafizi's challenge only if Rafizi (photo) gets Pua to debate on the Penang Tunnel. It will be two debates or none at all,” he said in a media statement today.

Pointing out that Pua did not respond to his challenge, See-To said it is only fair that Pakatan Harapan representatives accept debate challenges from him if they want him to accept theirs.

Furthermore, he said a debate on the tunnel project was important, as it could potentially cost billions in public funds.

“A public debate on the (Penang tunnel) project is thus needed where we can finally get answers from DAP,” he added.

Should Rafizi agree to this condition, See-To requested that Invoke, the PKR leader's policy research organisation, organise both debates.

Previously, See-To urged the Penang government to respond to his concerns about the proposed undersea tunnel project.

His concerns included the reason why a private firm appears to be benefiting from the project, despite the state government fronting the cost.

The Penang undersea tunnel project, estimated to cost RM6.3 billion, has been targeted and scrutinised by BN politicians, who alleged corruption in the project.