PAS central committee member Khalid Samad today moved to diffuse the tension between party secretary-general Mustafa Ali and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, saying their row was a “personal problem”.

Khalid also considers the challenge issued by Mustafa to debate with Lim their respective positions on having local council elections in Penang.as an “unfruitful” effort.

The PAS leader, who is also the MP for Shah Alam, then went on to call on Mustafa ( left ) and Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, to meet and find a solution to their dispute.

“I feel it is a personal issue. There is no benefit in it... let them meet to discuss and find a solution,” Khalid said at a press conference in Shah Alam today.

The dare to debate came about after Lim accused Mustafa, who labelled him “loud mouthed”, as not being truthful.

Khalid also called on all the leaders in Pakatan Rakyat to not debate with one another and instead voice out their concerns openly.

'The people are bored with debates'

“They should be smart in finding mutual understanding. The people are bored with debates and open arguments.

“They should not disappoint voters who want to see Pakatan rule, by replacing the BN government.

“I am stating all these cries and appeals on behalf of the Pakatan voters as they are tired of the current atmosphere now,” Khalid added.

As for the local elections in Penang, he said it should be well planned, to ensure that the voices of the people are heard.

In fact, he said, even the concerns raised by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang should be taken into account.

If this system of local elections is to be implemented smartly, Pakatan should use its creativity to pick for election those who can guarantee that the voices of the people will truly be heard.

“If the local elections are going to take place, the doubts that were raised by Abdul Hadi should also be taken into account, “Khalid added.