A highly anticipated public debate between Selangor Umno chief Noh Omar and his PAS counterpart Khalid Samad on the "Allah" row has been cancelled.
 
The debate, organised by Malay daily Sinar Harian, was initially scheduled for 2pm today. The cancellation was announced late last night.
 
In a statement by Karangkraf Media Group executive editorial advisor Abd Jalil Ali, the event was cancelled after considering "various angles on the current situation".
 
He said various religious leaders, NGOs and concerned citizens have expressed reservations on the debate and thus Karangkraf had decided to cancel the event.
 
"We understand the feelings and sentiments of the public and thus we made this decision," he said.