The proposed Umno presidential candidate debate programme will not affect the party badly but will instead show it as a party which practises openness.

Umno presidential candidate Khairy Jamaluddin (above) who is also its Youth chief said the programme would give candidates the chance to discuss Umno’s direction as well as their efforts to bring about changes to the party.

“My decision and that of Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah (Ku Li) to attend the Umno presidential candidate debate is deemed negative, as though we are going to air the internal problems of the party.

“Actually, this debate will show how my ideas and those of Ku Li’s can regain the confidence of the people; if we retain our old ways and are not open, the people will not respect us,” he said. 

Khairy was speaking to reporters at the Aidilfitri open house held by the former state assemblyman for Permai, Ali Mazat Salleh at his home in Kulai. 

Yesterday, Umno presidential candidate Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamid rejected the debate as he felt the internal problems of the party should not be discussed in public.

Today, Umno Information chief Annuar Musa was reported as saying the debate should not be held in public as it would do more harm than good to the party.

Khairy and Tengku Razaleigh who is also Gua Musang Member of Parliament are scheduled to appear in the one-hour programme at 9.30 pm on June 29 on Astro Awani.

Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan Umno does not agree to the debate between candidates for the party elections as it would only expose internal issues to the public.

Its liaison chairperson Mohamad Hasan who is vying for the post of Umno deputy president said the party election could be described as a contest within the family and should be conducted in a proper manner.

“There is no need for a debate within a family because we are merely competing against each other.

"If the candidates have a strong strategy, there is no need to tell others (through a debate). It is important that Umno’s strategies and moves are not known to others,” he said at an Aidilfitri gathering and Introduction of the  2018 Umno Election candidates here today.

Also present were Umno acting president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, candidate for the post of deputy president Annuar Musa and several candidates for the post of vice-president.

Two Umno presidential candidates Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and Khairy Jamaluddin had earlier agreed to the debate.

- Bernama