Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar was in the hot seat again today, this time when he participated in an online chat hosted by Yahoo! Malaysia.

NONEIn the chat session this morning which lasted for about one-and-a-half hours, most of the questions would have made a seasoned politician squirm in his seat.

The most recent Yahoo! chat guest had been opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

But whether Khairy took the bull by the horns or deflected barbs with diplomatic finesse, the chat session featured some light moments and some seriously laugh-out-loud questions and answers.

Top jokes however came from his choice of music, and even a hint of a long-lost love.

Below are excerpts from the chat session.

Of cronies and proxies

Question: YB, what's your link to Jason Lo, Tony Fernandes and is there any connection to your recent support to AirAsia’s cause regarding the route allocation.

Answer: Jason Lo is my best friend. I have known him since we were kids. Tony is also a friend. I do not own any shares in AirAsia. Anyone that says so can see me in court. I support more route allocation because it’s good for the country to have more tourist arrivals. Don’t you want to see more people coming to Malaysia?

KJ, you don’t have shares in AirAsia but do your immediate family members have shares in AirAsia? ;)

My immediate family members do not have shares in AirAsia neither do any friends or proxies. Again I will gladly see anyone in court over this.

Future ambitions

YB, are you still on track to be PM by the time you are 40?

Hahaha. That’s fitnah (slander)! Urban legend. I never said I want to be PM at 40 or want to be PM. I am content to serve in whatever capacity the people want me to.

What would you do/be if you are not in politics?

War correspondent.

One man’s meat

What are our PM’s weaknesses?

He likes that song ‘Nobody But You’ by the (Wondergirls)? That’s a pretty bad weakness.

Khairy, who is your favourite singer?

Definitely not the Wondergirls. Haha. Sorry DS Najib. I like U2, Counting Crows and Dave Mathews. Locally, I like Faizal Tahir. He’s cool.

YB’s favourite food?

Patin or keli fish.

What do you think of Justin Bieber?

Muntah (vomit). Sorry to all Beliebers. Probably lost their vote there.

Of friends and foes

What do think of Raja Petra Kamaruddin?

He likes to spin lies and has been exposed as such recently.

NONEKhairy, what do you think about Mukhriz Mahathir, do you think of him as a threat to your political career?

He is a young Umno leader with great potential. As Umno leaders we must work together. Although we fought each other for youth chief, I think both of us are mature enough to work together for the party.

Should Mahathir come back as prime minister again?

I think we should look to the future.

You’ve been critical on Tun M’s policies and legacies. Why?

I am critical of policies. It’s not personalised to anyone. If there is something that I disagree with, I will voice my opinion. I have done so many times to this government in Parliament as well. Most recently I opposed government signalling to raise RON95 petrol prices. Policies, not the person.

YB... How is your relationship with (Anwar Ibrahim) and family?

NONEI have no personal relationship with Datuk Seri Anwar and his family. I only see him at Parliament.

YB, is it true that you were supposed to marry Nurul Izzah once?

Hahaha. Never. I don’t even know her apart from seeing her in Parliament. Another lie and urban legend. People believe in any crap they hear.

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