PETALING JAYA: Two local broadcasters, TV3 and Astro Awani, are ready to collaborate to broadcast the live debate on the nation's cabotage policy, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       The Transport Minister said he was ready to debate Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng and was waiting for him to confirm his attendance.

       "There is no need to create more stories and accuse me of favouring any station. I won't run away from debating him," he said.

       The MCA president also said that Astro Awani contacted him on Sunday (Oct 24) night to discuss the debate, scheduled for Nov 2.

       "My appreciation to Astro Awani for contacting me, though it came quite late after TV3 had called earlier and offered to play host about 25 days ago.

       "I believe in giving the 'first right of refusal' to the first station to make the offer, out of respect to TV3. I believe that Astro Awani's producers also understand my stance and principles on this," he said.

       Dr Wee, however, said he was excited to know that Astro Awani would discuss airing the debate simultaneously with TV3.

       "To me, it is better for both stations to use their platforms simultaneously. It will allow even more viewers to know the cabotage policy better and put any misconceptions to rest," he said.

       The minister said a media briefing on the cabotage policy would be held if there Lim was a no-show for the debate.

       "If TV3 and Astro Awani are on, I am on," he said.