DAP's Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua sees his role in the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) isto be more important than debating 1MDB president Arul Kanda Kandasamy on the troubled state fund.

"It is not worth it," Pua said simply when asked in Kuala Lumpur today if the potential of getting answers on the 1MDB scandal would be worth quitting PAC .

The issues plaguing 1MDB are bigger than just Arul Kanda and the PAC is looking into more than just 1MDB, such as the 'excesses of the government' as well, he said.

Pua pointed out that even if he were to quit the PAC to debate Arul Kanda and get the truth, there was nothing he could do with that information.

"If I go on a debate (with Arul Kanda), even if he tells the truth, there's nothing I can do other than just that," he said.

However, in the PAC he would be able to contribute to the investigations and the report on 1MDB as a whole, he said.

'Stupid excuses'

On Wednesday, Pua offered to interview Arul Kanda on 1MDB issues on a live talk show also hosted by him.

“He (Arul Kanda) will be given every opportunity and as much time as he likes to answer these questions.

“In fact, I will bear no grudge if he succeeds in embarrassing me by showing evidence from any 1MDB financial document which disprove my allegations," Pua had said.

Arul Kanda promptly responded, saying that he will accept the challenge, but only on the condition that Pua quits his position in the PAC.

He said this was to maintain the integrity of the PAC’s investigation into 1MDB and to avoid any conflict of interest.

However, Pua slammed back , telling Arul Kanda to stop giving 'stupid excuses' and to 'accept the challenge like a man'.