Ku Li and KJ to debate live on TV on June 29

PETALING JAYA: For the first time in Umno history, two contenders for its presidency will go head-to-head in a televised debate, a night before the party polls.

Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah will be debating Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin in the exchange set to be aired live on Astro Awani on Channel 501 at 9.30pm on June 29.

According to Astro Awani’s official Facebook page, viewers can also be part of the debate as their questions will be aired using the hashtag #DebatAWANI on social media platforms. The debate will also be shown on FB Live.

Should the event go ahead, it will join other famous politician debates, such as then information minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek taking on PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in 2008 and the bout between then MCA president Tan Sri Dr Chua Soi Lek and DAP secretary Lim Guan Eng – twice – in 2012.

Khairy had also debated PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli in the past.

The 81-year-old Razaleigh, popularly known as “Ku Li” and who was finance minister from 1976 to 1984, had challenged the other contenders to a debate.

On Wednesday, Khairy had said he was ready to rumble, adding that it would strengthen democracy in Umno and the country’s political landscape.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo earlier said that he would be willing to ask RTM to telecast the debate if the candidates wanted it.