Caretaker prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob today rejected the challenge by opposition chief Anwar Ibrahim to have a debate between political parties' prime ministerial candidates.

Speaking at a press conference in Bukit Aman this afternoon, he said such debates were not a culture in Malaysia's politics and would bring no benefits.

"First of all, it is not our culture to have debates. We have never done this, and it doesn't do any good.

"And even if we do debate, he (Anwar) will only use the time to mention his manifesto and make ‘bulan dan bintang’ (the moon and the stars) promises (to voters).

"So, no need," he said.