Umno Youth leader Khairy Jamaluddin has accepted the gauntlet thrown down by PKR strategic director Rafizi Ramli.

This could now lead to a debate between them over the controversy surrounding the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) project.

azlan "I am always ready to debate anyone," Khairy said when asked about Rafizi's challenge at a press conference at the Parliament lobby today.

"In principle I am ready. But it is a question of timing, with the Umno AGM coming up.”

Rafizi had challenged Khairy on Monday to debate the matter with him, instead of their sparring match in the media thus far.

The PKR has been attacking the NFC, a company owned and operated by the husband and children of federal minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.

NONE The party has claimed that the company has no prior experience in cattle rearing, and accused the NFC of financial misconduct in the use of its RM250 million government soft loan.

 

Rafizi’s (right) frequent statements have been countered by Khairy, who has defended the company.

Among other matters, the NFC used the funds to finance a RM800,000 trip overseas for the minister's family, and to buy a RM9.8 million luxury condominium.

The NFC has remained silent in the face of criticism, despite gaining notoriety after being fingered for irregularities and shortfalls in the Auditor-General’s Report.

Khairy was answering questions from reporters at a joint Umno Youth-Puteri Umno press conference.

Special briefing for wings' leaders

Puteri Umno chief Rosnah Abd Rashid Shirlin, who spoke on behalf of the two organisations, at the start of the press conference announced a special briefing session for the leadership of the two Umno wings by Umno president Najib Abdul Razak.

The special session to take place on Nov 20 at PWTC will see Najib personally addressing the Umno Youth and Puteri Umno leaders, with his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin in attendance.

Taking place the day before the official AGM for the two wings, the event will be from 1pm to 6pm.

War of words

Rafizi writes: Khairy, it's not about the cows

Khairy hits back: PKR's load of bull

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