In launching Kuala Lumpur's first transit-oriented development project, Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor today paid tribute to the man who taught him 'dirty politics'.

"I have known Ayu since she was a little girl. I was still a businessman, her father was also a businessman," said Tengku Adnan in his speech at the groundbreaking ceremony for Latitud8, the first transit-oriented development project designed for Prasarana Group.

"Actually it was her father who taught me about politics. He even taught me 'dirty politics'," Tengku Adnan quipped in reference to Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Tajuddin Abdul Rahman.

His daughter, Rahayu Tajuddin, is the chairperson of Intan Sekitar - the joint venture company that won Prasarana's bid to undertake the project valued at approximately RM1.1 billion.

While admitting to have a family-like relationship with Tajuddin ( photo ), Tengku Adnan later stressed that the question of "favouritism" should not arise as he welcomes all new players in the Kuala Lumpur property market.

"Whoever is talking about favouritism, that is just rumours...," he said.

Ku Nan, a renowned political idol

In her opening address, Rahayu had similarly stressed that Intan Sekitar in collaboration with two other companies, had won Prasarana's bid for the project in 2013 "through open tender and based on merits".

"Intan Sekitar was fortunate to have the support of DBKL which had given the necessary approvals to enable us to commence construction work.

"Our target to complete construction of Latitud8 is by 2020," she said.

Rahayu had also earlier praised Tengku Adnan as being a man of "strong personality", a "no-nonsense leader" and "a renowned political idol".

Also present at the event were KL Mayor Mohd Amin Noordin Abdul Aziz, Prasarana chairperson Ismail Adam and Prasarana chief executive officer Azmi Abdul Aziz.