PETALING JAYA: PKR has begun discussions with former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak's team to iron out details about the upcoming debate on the "bailing out" of Sapura Energy Bhd, says party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

       Anwar said he has given instructions to PKR communications director and Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil to coordinate the upcoming debate with Najib's team.

       "I have also asked Fahmi to speak with Najib's side regarding the date and the time of the debate on national issues and Sapura Energy Bhd.

       "He (Fahmi) was also told to discuss with the media regarding coverage of the debate, which I think should be widely broadcasted," said Anwar in a statement on Facebook on Tuesday (April 5).

       On April 3, PKR vice president Rafizi Ramli was the first who challenged Najib to a debate on Sapura Energy Bhd.

       Shortly after Rafizi's remarks on April 3, Najib responded, saying he has no problems debating Rafizi, but said the debate invitation should be extended to Anwar.

       Anwar then responded on April 4 morning, saying that he is ready to take on the Pekan MP "anytime".

       An aide to Najib told The Star that they were looking forward to the debate, as it can clear the air and let the public decide whether it is better to destroy a company of significant importance to the key petroleum sector, or to help it recover and become stronger.

       Najib and Rafizi have been debating on social media over Sapura, which recently announced a loss of RM8.9bil last year.

       Najib had called on the government to intervene by providing easy interest loans or loan guarantees to the company to solve its cash flow problems.

       Najib had also proposed that Petronas could temporarily take over Sapura for the time being and sell it back after it has recovered.

       On the other hand, Rafizi was against Najib's proposal, saying that this will only benefit a "handful of elites".