Khairy welcomes Umno 'presidential debate', says it strengthens democracy

KUALA LUMPUR: Anytime, says Umno presidential hopeful Khairy Jamaluddin to a debate with Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.

The current Umno youth chief said that he was up for a healthy debate with Tengku Razaleigh, who is also vying for the post of Umno president.

"Obviously, if there is a debate we need to determine who will be the moderator and all that," he said during a press conference at Menara Dato' Onn here Wednesday (June 20).

Khairy said that there were voices in Umno who were opposed to such a debate, but that he did not see an issue with it.

"This is seen as a contest within the family, so some have the view that as it is within a family, there should be no debate.

"But I say, why not? Because the people want to see democracy, and this will not only strengthen democracy in Umno but also in the country's political landscape," he said.

He added that this would also show Malaysians that Umno candidates for party posts were chosen based on their ideas rather than just their personality.

He said that the debate could focus on each president hopeful's views on the party's future.

Khairy also said he was willing to declare his assets ahead of the election.

On Sunday, Umno executive secretary Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh confirmed seven names had been submitted to contest the Umno president post at the party polls on June 30.

However, he only confirmed the identities of three candidates namely Khairy, Tengku Razaleigh and Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Ab Rauf said they would announce the rest of the names at a later date.