Shah Alam MP Khalid Abdul Samad, who was to be the moderator for the aborted debate between Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Nazri Abdul Aziz, has proposed that it be held without an audience.

The Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) communications director said the debate should be aired online.

"I would like to make two proposals to ensure this debate goes ahead peacefully. This programme should be organised at a location decided by the police.

"The programme will be telecast live, or through Facebook live, without any audience at the location," he added in a media statement.

Khalid suggested that think-tank Invoke Malaysia would be a suitable organiser.

His comments came after police blocked the debate from happening for the second time, citing public order concerns.

The first debate was to take place in Kuala Kangsar on March 25 but was cancelled after the Perak police refused to grant approval.

Nazri, who is tourism and culture minister, subsequently proposed that the debate be held in Shah Alam this Friday with Khalid as moderator.

However, that debate was also blocked by Selangor police.

Meanwhile, Khalid said the much anticipated debate should proceed.

"As a democratic country that upholds freedom of speech as enshrined in the federal constitution, I don't think the police should have acted in such a way," he added.