Rising politician Khairy Jamaluddin was not even in the House, but his name was enough to create heated debate today in the Dewan Rakyat.

Barisan Nasional and opposition parliamentarians crossed swords over the prime minister's son-in-law, in discussing his alleged role in the government.

It all started with Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) taking the floor to debate the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP). He criticised Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timor) for branding Khairy the "mastermind" of the administration.

"What did the budak (boy, referring to Khairy) do? You accused him of so many things in the House but he can't even defend himself (since Khairy is not a MP)," said Bung Moktar in a raised voice.

Interjecting, Lim retorted: "I did not accuse him as the mastermind in my speech earlier. I only referred to what he wrote in the New Straits Times where he said there will be an end to the gravy train under the 9MP."

Lim then asked if Bung Moktar agreed that, if there is corruption or leakage in implementing the RM220 billion 9MP, this could be easily turned into a 'gravy train' for Umnoputras, as he (Lim) had pointed out in his debate on Monday.

Why stop him?

At this juncture, Ahmad Zainuddin Omar (BN-Larut) joined in the shouting match: "I think they (opposition) are jealous of Khairy... they think (Khairy's influence) is threatening, (Khairy) has his own views, what's wrong with that? The opposition is rotten..."

Bung Moktar: "He (Khairy) is the human capital that we want to look for, the nation's future is relying on our human capital, why should we stop him just because of his relationship with the premier?"

Lim however took a swipe at the backbenchers' defence: "Why are you running a campaign in this House to pledge your loyalty for Khairy? You do not need to stand up here to say you are loyal to him."

The backbenchers responded to label the accusation as being inappropriate in its motive.

"The opposition leader can say it is ugly, even though it is pretty...that's the opposition for you," replied Bung Moktar.

Lim, appearing dissatisfied, pursued the matter by asking the backbencher what real reform has been carried out under Abdullah's administration.

"Yes, we promote preventive measures on corruption. But besides prevention, what has happened to the big sharks who are corrupt, especially the 18 sharks (prominent personalities being investigated) that have gone into the ocean (still at large)?" asked Lim.

Replying, Bung Moktar said: "We have opened a new chapter, maybe the 18 sharks are already in the ocean, but we will find new sharks."

Lim continue to protest the remark but the Kinabatangan MP moved on to another topic.

GLCs ticked off

Touching on government-linked companies (GLCs), Bung Moktar said these should share their profits with locals or invest in local companies.

In this respect, he questioned why Telekom is sponsoring coverage of English Premier League football matches and why Proton sponsored a team (Norwich City) in the same league.

He also complained about "incapable" GLCs heads - many of whom are ex-civil servants according to the MP - and demanded that competent personalities be appointed in heading GLCs.

"For instance, a Proton leader (unspecified position) who was formerly at the KLSE (Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange) had proposed an investment of RM300 million in a computer which is still being kept there....so of course, we are making losses.

"The same happened to Malaysia Airlines, we have said it many times. Many people want the chairperson (Dr Munir Majid) to be removed but he is still there, so how can we make a profit?

"The chairperson is inefficient, (he) is not smart...," he said to laughter from other backbenchers.

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