Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) president Tan Kok Ping has challenged Gerakan president Dr Koh Tsu Koon to an open debate if the latter continued to criticise him in the media.

tan kok pin pc blame koh tsu koon 130811 The former state Gerakan vice-chairman said he could not tolerate the former Penang chief minister's criticisms in the media anymore, adding that if they (criticisms) continued, an open debate was the next step.

Speaking to reporters today, in response to Koh's recent statement claiming that "Tan must be blind or senile for not being able to see the development in Penang before 2008", Tan said:

"I do not have any personal agenda when I said earlier that Koh had not done anything during his 18 years as Penang chief minister.

"I never wanted to be in the limelight as claimed by Koh. What I said earlier (about Koh) is true and I was speaking on behalf of PCCC members."

It was reported today that Koh, who is minister in the Prime Minister's Department, had said the political attack against him was orchestrated by a 'puppet master' intent on seeing him vacate his post, ahead of the general election.

- Bernama