Police are merely exercising their discretionary powers in banning the debate between Dr Mahathir Mohamad and minister Nazri Abdul Aziz on the grounds of maintaining public order.

Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar said policing powers were provided for under Section 3(3) of the Police Act 1967 and enacted in accordance to the Federal Constitution.

He also cited Section 20(3) of the same act which conferred the police with discretionary powers to carry out such duties, in the interest of the public...