Lim said a televised debate would allow Tengku Adnan to give his views on why Penang would flourish under an FT.

Last week, Tengku Adnan told a radio interview that he wished to expand the FT to include Langkawi, Penang and parts of Malacca. In later reports, he said Tioman Island was also on his mind. The island is off Pahang.

“I want to challenge him for a debate on RTM and TV3 on this issue.

“Is it good for Penang? Why must Penang be under FT?

“Why cannot it be other states which are poor, such as Kelantan and Sabah? Are they also going to be turned into an FT?” Lim asked at a press conference in Komtar today.

In response to the outrage by Lim, Tengku Adnan said Penang as an FT would ensure the wellbeing of all communities and it would provide affordable housing for all.

Tengku Adnan also said the Malay community in Penang had been neglected by the DAP-led state government and an FT would put an end to that problem.

A DAP MP later filed a report against Tengku Adnan for his remarks and this is now under police investigation.

Tengku Adnan, in his defence, said he had said “all races” were neglected in Penang, not just the Malays. He accused the media of only picking up the word “Malay” in his statement.

Lim reiterated that  Tengku Adnan’s comments smacked of treason as it would affect the harmony of 13 states under the federation, which included Penang.

“If Penang is turned into an FT, there will be no governor, chief minister or executive council. There will only be members of parliament.

“Turning Penang into an FT might be dirty tactics by BN because they know they cannot win in an election … they have no confidence in winning.

“We will fight all out. We do not want to fight with hate, we want to fight with love.”

FMT has contacted  Tengku Adnan for comment and is awaiting his reply.