After their first attempt was cancelled due to 'security concerns', Entrepreneur Development Minister Mohd Nazri Aziz has agreed to another debate with PAS leader Dr Syed Azman Syed Ahmad Nawawi on the closure of two Mara Science Junior Colleges (MRSM) in Terengganu.

This time around, the minister proposed that the debate be held in Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpur.

Their first debate in July was called off at the eleventh hour when police prevented participants from entering the Islam Administrative Centre in Sri Imam Complex, Kuala Terengganu.

Umno Terengganu had also opposed the debate, which was sparked off after PAS claimed that the closure of the colleges was politically motivated.

"Since Umno Terengganu is not in favor of the debate, perhaps it could be held elsewhere outside of Terengganu," said Nazri when met at the Parliament lobby yesterday.

The minister, who is Umno Chenderoh division chief and MP for Chenderoh,Perak, then suggested Universiti Malaya as a possible venue.

'Any time'

Responding to this, Syed Azman, who is the MP for Kuala Terengganu, said he was ready "at any time" provided the debate was held after this weekend's PAS Muktamar (annual general assembly).

However, he said organising the event was up to his rival as any request by PAS to hold a debate in a public university would definitely be rejected.

"We would not be able to organise the programme, not if it's going to be in Universiti Malaya. They wouldn't agree to our request.

"However, if Nazri's ministry approached the university authorities, they would probably agree (to the debate being held on their premises)," he said when contacted.

The closure of the colleges in Besut and Dungun (photo) has been a bone of contention ever since Nazri made the announcement in October 2002.

On June 17, the minister issued a written challenge to Syed Azman to debate the issue. The latter accepted it after obtaining permission from PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.

'Umno's betrayal'

Since the closure was announced, PAS tabled four motions in Parliament to "condemn the government for acting in haste". The most recent was tabled last week.

Umno leaders claimed that the closure was done as a "matter of principle" and Nazri blamed PAS Terengganu for the failure of the colleges.

To refute this, PAS launched a booklet last month titled 'Pengkhianatan Umno Terhadap Bangsa Melayu serta Rakyat Terengganu' (Umno's betrayal of the Malays and the people of Terengganu)

The 76-page booklet includes transcripts of verbal exchanges in parliament between government and opposition representatives, correspondence between the Terengganu Foundation and Mara officials, as well as articles and other documents related to the issue.