Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Abdul Rahan Dahlan has urged Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to sue him if the latter is itching so badly for a debate between them over the Taman Manggis land issue.

"Since the beginning, I have been accused by Lim of supposedly being a chicken, a coward, political whore... but as a federal minister I cannot go against the orders of the inspector-general of police (Khalid Abu Bakar). But if he itches so badly for a debate, he can sue me.

"It involves court proceedings, I think even the IGP cannot avoid and I can go to court to answer anything that Lim asks. Unfortunately, until now, he hasn't done so," Rahman told party-owned newsportal Umno-online.

He opined that something was not right as Lim has yet to sue him.

"But whatever the case, the important thing is, he has to answer to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and police officers in their investigation. “

Previously, Rahman had challenged Lim to sue him over the Taman Manggis land issue, after plans for a debate between them had to be scuttled after a warning from Khalid and the MACC that it may prejudice an ongoing investigation relating to the matter.

Lim had challenged Rahman to debate him over the matter, claiming that the minister was making malicious allegations against him without basis.

Rahman has sought explanations from Lim after allegations surfaced on possible abuse in the transfer of the Taman Manggis land, once earmarked for affordable housing, for redevelopment.

This was linked to claims that Lim supposedly purchased a bungalow along Jalan Pinhorn in George Town at below market value as alleged consideration for the transfer of the Taman Manggis land.

Lim has alleged that Rahman was using the matter for a politically-motivated attack against him, though the minister, who is also BN strategic communications director, maintains that he was voicing legitimate questions that the people also want answered.

Their indignation-fuelled tit-for-tat attacks against each other have become a staple for news stories, social media comments and coffeeshop chit-chat sessions.