(Nov 3): DAP's Tony Pua insisted today there was no conflict of interest if the debate between him and 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) president Arul Kanda Kandasamy went on, despite him still being on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Commenting on a ruling by speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia earlier today, barring the debate unless Pua resigns from PAC, the Petaling Jaya Utara MP said he did not see any such conflict arising.

"Where is the conflict? I don't see it. The speaker cited Standing Order 23 and 85. I have seen both and I don't see what's the problem," he told reporters at a press conference at the Parliament lobby today.

Pua was not in the house when Pandikar made his ruling earlier today.

The DAP national publicity secretary said he would seek clarification from Pandikar in the house tomorrow and ask that the speaker revise his decision.

"Where does it say that I have to resign (from PAC)?" he asked.

But Pua said it was more important to retain his seat in PAC, adding that he would rather forgo debating Arul Kanda if it meant having to quit the bipartisan panel.

"Why should I leave PAC for the sake of a debate with him. Who is he?" Pua said.

"Malaysians will be angry with me if the PAC investigation into 1MDB is jeopardised by this debate."

Pua said he had already declared the questions he meant to ask Arul, none of which were based on information obtained in PAC hearings.

"I didn't use any PAC information for my questions," he said.

"If I actually used PAC information during the debate, then I can't be impeached."

Pua also said Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak had never consulted him or his team regarding a possible date for the debate, thus the claim that the debate would be held this Friday was inaccurate.

"I will not be in town on Friday. He never asked me. The date, time and format must be decided by the two teams – mine and Arul's – and not by the minister." – The Malaysian Insider