Khairy says ready for NFC debate

By Shannon Teoh

November 16, 2011

Khairy said he was “always ready to debate anyone”. — File pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 16 — Khairy Jamaluddin said today he is ready to face PKR strategic director Rafizi Ramli in a debate over alleged abuse of RM250 million in public funds for a national cattle farming project awarded to Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil’s family.

The Umno Youth chief told a press conference, “I am always ready to debate anyone.”

“In principle I am ready. But it is a question of timing,” he said, citing engagements such as the Umno general assembly at the end of the month.

Rafizi had challenged the Khairy to a debate on Monday after accusing the Rembau MP of being part of the “Fourth Floor Boys” who were said to have the ear of then prime minister Tun Abdullah Badawi.

Abdullah’s administration had approved the National Feedlot Centre (NFC) project in 2006, which was later awarded to a company owned by the husband and children of Women, Family and Community Development Minister Shahrizat.

Khairy has staunchly defended the project against allegations by PKR that include over RM84 million in “loans” being given by the NFC to two other companies owned by Shahrizat’s family, including upfront payment for a RM10 million luxury condominium.

The Auditor-General’s Report released last month had criticised the NFC, pointing out that it was now “in a mess”.

The report said production in 2010 was only 3,289 head of cattle or 41.1 per cent of the target set.

But Agriculture Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar responded on October 31 that the project is a success and had met its targets.