Khairy ready for debate

KUALA LUMPUR: With the Umno polls just 10 days away, presidential hopeful Khairy Jamaluddin has accepted Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah’s challenge to a debate.

Khairy said he was ready for a healthy debate with Tengku Razaleigh, who is also vying for the presidential post.

“Sure, anytime... If there is a debate, we need to determine who will be the moderator,” Khairy said at the Putra World Trade Centre here yesterday.

While noting that some in Umno were against the challenge, Khairy said he did not see that as an issue.

“Why not? Because people want to see democracy (in action). This will not only strengthen democracy in Umno, but also in the country’s political landscape.”

Khairy said a debate would reflect that candidates for the party posts were chosen based on their ideas rather than personality.

“The debate could focus on each presidential hopeful’s views on the party’s future,” he said.

The Umno Youth chief said he was ready to declare his assets ahead of the election.