PKR’s strategic director Rafizi Ramli has reminded Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar that he has yet to respond to his invitation to debate the National Feedlot Centre (NFC) controversy on December 12, 2011.

NONE In a tweet, Rafizi ( left ) alluded to the week of silence on Khairy’s part over the former’s suggestion that they face off in a battle of wits and persuasion on Dec 12, given an earlier invitation had been conveyed last week.  

A formal invitation was sent to Khairy on Nov 19 after an earlier one - made unofficially through the media - was issued on Monday, Nov 14.

“Salam YB @Khairykj debat kita pada 12/12/11 muktamad? Kalau perlu, saya boleh hantar surat yg kedua. Mohon jawapan YB,” said Rafizi through Twitter.

(Has our 12/12/11 debate been finalised? If needed, I can send my second invitation. Seeking a reply from the YB)

On Nov 16, Khairy said he has accepted the gauntlet thrown down by Rafizi, saying he is “always ready to debate anyone.”

NONE It was only a matter of timing, however, given the Umno annual general meeting scheduled to be held later this month.

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

Thus far, Rafizi and Khairy ( right ) have sparred over the NFC controversy through the media.

The NFC came under fire following the release of the Auditor-General’s Report 2010 last month which revealed that the public-funded RM250-million cattle project in Gemas was “in a mess”.    

This was followed by further allegations of irregularities and abuse by the family members of Women, Family and Community Development Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, who own and manage the project.

Rafizi has been at the forefront of the attacks on the government for the NFC ‘mess’, whereas Khairy has defended the project.