Why did RTM withdraw the live broadcast offer for the Arul-Pua debate?

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RTM Withdrew Live Broadcast Offer for Arul-Pua Debate Following Dewan Rakyat Speaker's Gag Order

Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) has withdrawn its offer to broadcast the debate between Tony Pua and Arul Kanda Kandasamy live, following a gag order issued by the Dewan Rakyat Speaker on DAP lawmaker Tony Pua. Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak clarified that RTM's offer was specifically for the two individuals who had challenged each other, and not as an organiser of the event. The decision to withdraw came after the Speaker disallowed the debate, citing concerns that it might prejudice the Public Accounts Committee's (PAC) ongoing probe into 1MDB.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Disallows Debate

The Dewan Rakyat Speaker, Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, officially disallowed the debate between Tony Pua and Arul Kanda Kandasamy. This prohibition was based on the potential for the debate to negatively impact or "taint" the Public Accounts Committee's (PAC) investigation into 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). The Speaker's decision effectively preempted any possibility of the debate proceeding under official sanction.
Gag Order on Tony Pua

A significant factor in RTM's withdrawal was the issuance of a gag order on DAP lawmaker Tony Pua by the Dewan Rakyat Speaker. This order restricted Pua's ability to participate in or discuss matters related to the PAC's investigation, which was the central theme of the proposed debate. The gag order rendered Pua unable to proceed with the debate under the stipulated conditions.
RTM's Role as Service Provider

Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak emphasised that RTM was not an organiser of the debate between Tony Pua and Arul Kanda Kandasamy. Instead, RTM had merely offered its services for a live telecast at the specific request of Tony Pua. The minister stated that the offer was contingent on the debate proceeding between the two individuals who had issued the challenge to each other.
Debate Contingent on Individual Challenge

The offer for a live broadcast was explicitly tied to the direct challenge between Tony Pua and Arul Kanda Kandasamy. Salleh Said Keruak explained that the debate was not between political parties or entities but between these two individuals. Therefore, with Tony Pua being subject to the gag order and effectively withdrawing from the debate under those circumstances, the basis for RTM's offer was removed.

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Why did RTM withdraw the live broadcast offer for the Arul-Pua debate?

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