Penang state executive councillor for public works, utility and transportation Lim Hock Seng has refused to debate with Gerakan on the undersea tunnel issue.

Lim simply said "Please refer to my statements on the issue."

The DAP Bagan Ajam assemblyman has responded several times to Gerakan and federal minister cum BN strategy director Abdul Rahman Dahlan on his queries about the tunnel and its RM305 million feasibility study and detailed design.

Lim had reportedly asked in the Chinese media "who is Loo?", adding that the latter should become an elected representative first, before debating with him on the issue.

Unfazed by Lim's refusal, State Gerakan acting Youth chief Jason Loo (photo) was in Komtar today to submit an invitation letter to Lim to debate with him on the matter.

Loo said the debate, titled "Undersea tunnel: A democratic scandal" will be held at the Loh Clan Association at 11am on June 11.

"I'm very upset with Lim when he asked who am I to debate with him.

"He said: let's wait until I become an elected representative who is given the mandate by the people first.

"Why is he reacting like that? I just raised a public interest issue for the sake of Penangites," Loo said.

"As a Penangite, taxpayer and constructive opposition, I think I'm more than qualified to debate him," he said.

Loo said Lim may say that he has more important work to do than attend a debate with him.

However, RM305 million for feasibility study cost and RM6.3 billion for the three highways and tunnel project is just as important, he added.

Loo has applied for documents, including contracts related to the tunnel to link Gurney Drive with Butterworth to be viewed under the state's Freedom of Information Act.

The tunnel project, which includes three highways, will be ready by 2027.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state proposed the undersea tunnel as it failed to obtain approval to build a third bridge in the northern part of the island.