Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad holds no right to ask Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for a public debate as the former is just a normal citizen.

The Star Online Saturday reported that the opinion of Cultural and Tourism Minister, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, who was earlier, quoted as saying that Najib should not stoop so low to Dr Mahathir’s series of criticisms.

“I don’t want my PM to stoop so low because he is after all, the Prime Minister and Dr Mahathir is merely a normal citizen.

“So, why would my PM stoop so low to a normal citizen? Dr Mahathir lacks locus standi to stand the grounds for a debate with Najib. For me, it is such a bad idea to do so,” he said, adding that the sole place to hold the debate is the Parliament.

Nazri also added that Najib should not resign from his post as he did not commit any offense.

“The existing PM should not resign unless he committed an offense, passed or under probe. Najib is not experiencing any of those and therefore, the request to hold the debate is nonsense,” said Nazri.

Dr Mahathir, earlier had expressed his willingness to hold a public debate with Najib on several issues including that on national strategic development agency, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). The veteran politician has also expressed his readiness for the debate to be opened to public.