Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim today dismissed as a "mosquito issue" the challenge of Ummi Hafilda Ali, a key witness in the former deputy prime minister's 1998 sodomy trial, to debate on his alleged sexual misconduct.

NONE "That is a mosquito issue," Bernama reported him as telling the press at a "PAS replaces Umno" gathering at Kampung Geliga, Terengganu.

The function was launched by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, with the party's spiritual leader and Kelantan Mentri Besar, Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, present.

Anwar, pressed further, said he left it to the PAS president to comment on debate challenge.

Ummi has said that she would file a RM700 million suit against Anwar, her brother, PKR deputy president Azmin Ali, party president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, DAP chairperson Karpal Singh and PAS.

Abdul Hadi, when asked earlier to comment on Ummi's statement on the debate and suit, said:" That is only a mosquito that has been released, so let a mosquito respond to it."

The suit is related to their alleged treatment towards Ummi, who claimed that Anwar had her detained when he was deputy prime minister to get her to give a false statement.