In an apologetic announcement made in a Facebook posting today, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Shahidan Kassim said Asri and Zamihan would still meet tomorrow, but would engage in a “small scale academic discussion” that would be closed to the public.
“Without explaining what has happened, I would like to announce that the debate is cancelled,” Shahidan said. “All invitations and other arrangements are withdrawn.
“I apologise for what has happened and call on all quarters to prevent the prolongation of issues with bad perceptions.”
He said Asri had agreed on the new format and so had Zamihan.
Asri previously announced that he was willing to engage in a debate provided the proceedings are recorded as well as streamed live over the Internet.