Embroiled in controversy over its spending of a RM181 million government soft loan, the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) today moved to clear the air over the issue, after keeping mum for close to a month.

However, several journalists who turned up at the NFC headquarters in Gemas, Negeri Sembilan, this morning were turned away.

According to a journalist at the site, who did not want to be named, the receptionist there informed them that the press conference was only for selected media.

"We did not get any invitation, but we learnt about the press conference, so we went there, but the receptionist said we were not on the list."

The journalist said among the media that were turned away were Sin Chew Daily, China Press, Nanyang Siang Pau, Oriental Daily and Kwong Wah Yit Poh .

The controversy erupted when PKR strategy director Rafizi Ramli threatened to spill the beans on the NFC after the Auditor-General's Report described the National Feedlot Centre it was managing as "a mess".

azlan Since then, Rafizi has revealed that the loan meant for cattle rearing and beef supply was used to purchase a luxury condominium in Bangsar and other Umno leaders had also benefited from the money.

Meanwhile, when contacted, an NFC representative who declined to be named as she is unauthorised to speak on the matter said that the press conference was planned to be opened to all media.

“As far as I know, it is open to all. But I understand some did not get the invitation and some called us this morning to express disappointment,” she said.

She added that the normal practice of NFC is to invite several key media outlets, who will be expected to “share” with others.

“It could be that there were too many people ambushing the press conference, that they decided to limit the number,” she said.

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