KUANTAN: MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker (pic) is prepared to debate Bentong MP Wong Tack on the issue of Lynas.

Ti said he welcomed Wong's challenge to a debate and would like the talk to be about accountability, morality, how to manage the issue and the way forward.

"I will wait for any NGO, the press or government stations to organise it because if MCA were to hold it, then they will say it is political. I am ready to debate with him anytime and anywhere for the benefit of the people.

"It does not necessarily have to be one forum as well. Multiple forums can be organised and I will be there," said Ti on Saturday (Sept 7).

Wong previously told Ti to call for a forum and invite him to debate.

The Himpunan Hijau leader also said Ti did not have any moral right to demand that he dissociate from Pakatan Harapan after the government decided to extend Lynas' operating licence by another six months.

To this, Ti said he had every right to question Wong as the latter was the one who had been championing the Lynas issue all along.

"I am not part of the government so what moral ground is he talking about? Is he going to blame me personally? He is the one who has a moral and political undertaking to the people who voted him in so he should walk his talk.

"But not only is he making an about turn but he is continuing to posture meaninglessly. He has a public office, a mandate from the people and is accountable to the people in the next election so if he has any moral fibre in him, he should quit the government in protest.

"I am not telling him to quit as an MP. As a matter of fundamental principle, he should go on the independent or Opposition front," Ti said.

Ti added that he had been consistent in stressing that the Lynas issue be handled factually, legally and scientifically.

"Now the government is following exactly what I said. But when he wants to talk about moral, then he should quit. Otherwise, I am ready to accept his challenge for a debate," he said.