PKR secretary-general Rafizi Ramli has challenged Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin to a public telecast debate on the Sodomy II trial and judgment.

This comes as criticism rises on Khairy's organising of a public roadshow for lead prosecutor Muhammad Shafee Abdullah to talk about the trial.

Rafizi told a press conference today,  that he would take up the offer of a debate platform made by Communications and Multimedia Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek ( right ), and challenge Khairy for a third sparring between the duo.

Rafizi and Khairy had, prior to this, debated in London and at a Sinar Harian forum.

"The fact is, this roadshow - which portrays Shafee Abdullah as an explicit storyteller - was started by Umno Youth and was attended by its own chief (Khairy)," Rafizi pointed out.

He wants the format and moderators to be agreed upon by both sides, and also expressed his wish that the debate is telecast live, without any editing.

"I urge Khairy not to step back, and to be brave to come forth to clean up Umno's name as the party is seen as being responsible for Anwar Ibrahim's incarceration," he added.

Rafizi said he was willing to debate with "anyone" on Sodomy II, as he had authored a book on the matter and had also observed the trial proceedings over the past five years.

"I will wait for an answer from Shabery and Khairy to see if Umno is ready to clean up its own name," he added.