The showdown between Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua and 1MDB chief executive Arul Kanda Kandasamy should not be a simple question-and-answer session, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak.

As such, he wants both Pua and Arul Kanda to mutually agree on a format for the debate.

"A debate shouldn't just be question and answer... It should be a debate where both sides argue on their views related to 1MDB," Salleh ( photo ) told reporters outside Parliament today.

Salleh reiterated that RTM is prepared to host the debate, and even provide a moderator.

He proposed it be held in a studio, without an audience, but aired live.

"It must be held in a very conducive environment, it should not be emotional and every party must argue with facts.

"At the end of the day the (TV) audience will make their judgment. It is not about scoring points," Salleh said.

On when the debate should be held, the senator said that would be up to Pua and Arul Kanda.

"We hope to host it this year, the sooner the better... Malaysians want to follow the debate on 1MDB," he said.