Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin has agreed to participate in a debate between him and Pertubuhan Ahli Sunnah Waljamaah Malaysia (Aswaja) chief Zamihan Mat Zin.

The debate was re-scheduled by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Shahidan Kassim.

“I am not attending for myself, but I’m attending to alleviate the concern of all quarters who have been accused without valid reasons.

“We need a moderate and rational approach to religion in facing the increasingly challenging world,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Pointing out that although the discussion for the re-scheduled debate was only between Shahidan and Zamihan, he will still try to attend the event.

“I will try to adjust my schedule.

“The topic of the debate is not about matters related to Islamic law but on extremism in Malaysia. With this, I agree to attend the debate, God willing.”

Asri was responding to Shahidan who posted on his Facebook page that Zamihan had agreed to the debate on Feb 17.

“Both Asri and Zamihan can invite 50 people each for the event,” said Shahidan.

Asri and Zamihan ( photo ) have been trading barbs for over a week, with the latter challenging the mufti to an open debate.

Shahidan decided to put an end to the fighting by offering to host the debate between the two which was initially scheduled to be held tomorrow.

While Asri accepted the proposal, Zamihan, however, said he could not make it on that date as he was scheduled to give a talk to prisoners.

Citing inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar, Zamihan yesterday said that he was advised by the top cop to have the debate behind closed-doors.

"We don't want there to be fights that will give a negative image of Islam," Zamihan had said.