PETALING JAYA: Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will square off on May 12 in a much-anticipated debate over financially-troubled Sapura Energy Bhd and Malaysia’s future.

       “We believe many are looking forward to this debate. We believe this will provide the opportunity for Malaysians to evaluate various ideas, arguments and different views,” said PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil.

       It will be held at 9pm at Dewan Tunku Canselor, Universiti Malaya.

       There will be three parts to it: whether Sapura Energy needs a bailout; the future of Malaysia from the economic, political and governance aspects; and a session for questions and answers.

       Hopefully, the debate could be held in a peaceful atmosphere to “reflect a more mature political culture”, Fahmi said in a joint conference with Selangor Barisan Nasional information chief Isham Jalil.

       Isham said only 500 participants would be allowed to attend the debate physically due to Covid-19 restrictions.

       Other details would be announced later, he added.

       Anwar previously said he was prepared to face Najib in a debate without any condition.

       Najib also said he was willing to participate in such a debate.

       Last year, Sapura Energy announced a loss of RM8.9bil despite receiving large investments from state-owned Perbadanan Nasional Bhd, which holds a 40% stake in the government-linked company.

       Najib had called on the government to intervene by either providing loan guarantees to Sapura Energy to solve its cash flow problems or direct Petronas or Khazanah Nasional Bhd to take over ownership of the firm.