While Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has rejected a debate challenge from MCA deputy president Wee Ka Siong, this has not deterred Wee from slamming attacks on the Penang undersea tunnel project.

Wee is even moving to step into Lim's parliamentary seat - Bagan, on mainland Penang - to explain the tunnel project at 7.30pm on March 30.

Penang MCA, he said, invited him to speak on the matter at its event at Persatuan Tan Si Eng Chuan Tong, Butterworth, on that day.

“Why should not I go there?” the federal minister told Malaysiakini when asked whether he would be present at the event.

As to whether he hoped to see Lim at the scene as well, Wee said he would comment when it is due.

“We talk this later. I have my own strategy in these two days.”

Later, Penang MCA chief Tan Teik Cheng (photo) confirmed the event, titled “Real Penang political forum 2.0: RM6.3 billion Penang undersea tunnel scandal”.

The venue is located within the Bagan parliamentary seat, a stronghold of DAP since 2008.

Lim has served the constituents there for two-terms, winning with majorities of more than 20,000 votes.

Lim and Wee have traded barbs over the Penang undersea tunnel since early this year, while the project is the subject of an investigation by the MACC.

The anti-graft commission has questioned about 100 people and nabbed five high-ranking officials involved in the tunnel project.

Wee issued a challenge to Lim for debate on the tunnel project, which Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, rejected.