Tourism and Culture Minister Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz has accepted Dr Mahathir Mohamad's challenge to a debate on 1MDB and the RM2.6 billion issue among others.

In a text message to Malaysiakini, the Padang Rengas MP said he would leave it to Mahathir to decide on whether any other topics should be included apart from the ones suggested by the former premier.

“Will leave it to them. My participation is unconditional except to discuss the date with me. The rest is up to Mahathir.

“Even if he disallows my supporters from coming (to the debate), I agree. I just want it (the debate) to happen,” he added.

Nazri, who is scheduled to return from an overseas trip next week, said that he was willing to make the preparations for the debate, if Mahathir is unable to do so.

“I don't really care what he and his supporters think of me. For as long as they dislike me, I am happy.

“Yes, I will do the preparations (for the debate) if he asks me, and yes, everything goes if he wants it. As I have said, on my part (participating in the debate) is unconditional,” he added.

Nazri and Mahathir had been engaged in a fresh spat since the start of this month.

On March 1, Nazri described national carmaker Proton Holdings as a white elephant created by Mahathir when he was prime minister for 22 years until 2003.

Mahathir and Nazri later challenged each other to contest in Padang Rengas and Langkawi respectively in the general election.

However, the 91-year-old former premier later said he had no intention of contesting in the general election, but challenged Nazri to a debate instead.

He said the open debate could be on the 1MDB and RM2.6 billion scandal, the RM55 billion East Coast Railway Link or even the Bumiputera Malaysia Finance (BMF) Scandal.

Mahathir yesterday reiterated the debate offer ahead of a visit to Nazri's parliamentary constituency of Padang Rengas on March 25.