The police have yet to receive an application to hold the upcoming debate between former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Umno minister Nazri Abdul Aziz. 

This comes after the tourism minister claimed that the police have approved the debate, due to be held at the Kuala Kangsar Mara Junior College (MRSM) on March 25. 

Berita Harian today quoted Perak acting police chief Hasnan Hassan saying that to date, the police have received no such application. 

"As such, this would be an illegal assembly and violate the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (PAA) if held without police's permission," he was quoted saying. 

According to Hasnan, a school is classified as a prohibited area under the First Schedule of Section 3 of the PAA. 

Thus, the police can take action against anyone attending the debate, as it has no permission and is being held at a prohibited area, he added. 

He noted that the police have the responsibility to ensure public order and safety of the local residents. 

The debate between Nazri and Mahathir came about after they challenged each other to contest in Padang Rengas and Langkawi, respectively, in the upcoming general election. 

Mahathir later clarified that he has no intention to contest in the polls, and challenged Nazri to a debate instead, which the latter accepted unconditionally.

Malaysiakini has contacted both Nazri and Mahathir's aide for comment and is awaiting for their response.

Meanwhile, in a Facebook posting last night, Mahathir's lawyer Haniff Khatri Abdulla dared Nazri to admit that he was representing the government in the debate.

Second finance minister Johari Abdul Ghani had said that Nazri was not representing the government in the debate, while Nazri said he would represent the voters in Padang Rengas. 

"By saying he's not representing Najib's government, Umno and BN, as well as claiming he is only representing Padang Rengas voters, Nazri wishes to reduce the importance of the debate, to a level he could cancel it. 

"Dear Nazri, be courageous enough to announce you really are representing Najib's government, Umno and BN. Otherwise, it is better for you to quit immediately as tourism minister or even resign as Umno member," he said.