Former Batu Kawan Umno vice-chief Khairuddin Abu Hassan has challenged Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to a public debate on 1MDB.

In a Facebook post, he claimed there are still many unanswered questions surrounding the firm.

"If it is so difficult (the questions), let us have a debate on the 1MDB scandal issue. If (you) don't want to face Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, let us face each other.

"The only condition is that it (the debate) must be aired live in order to enable the rakyat to judge the truth," he said.

In issuing the challenge, Khairuddin said he is baffled by Najib's recent statement that the 1MDB issue has been resolved without touching a single sen of the people's money.

He also insisted that Najib ( photo ) has not answered any of the main questions being asked.

“I asked why must 1MDB assets be sold off, especially land acquired at a cheaper price from the government to settle its debts amounting to almost RM42 billion.

“Where is all the money acquired from previous investments?” asked Khairuddin in highlighting past allegations of 1MDB’s financial mismanagement.

Najib cannot escape

Khairuddin stressed that Najib cannot escape from answering all the questions which have been raised on the 1MDB scandal.

“Najib must give a comprehensive overall answer on the 1MDB scandal.

“Answer it in Parliament and telecast it live so all 30 million Malaysians will be able to understand the current state of this problematic company,” he said, adding that the questions include contradicting statements on the RM2.6 billion donation that was deposited into Najib’s personal account.

Speaking at the monthly assembly of the Prime Minister's Department staff in Putrajaya today, Najib had once again promised that an end to the issues faced by 1MDB is forthcoming through an “agreement” that does not involve use of people's money.

Last Nov 23, Edra Global Energy Bhd, a subsidiary of 1MDB, sold off its assets to China General Nuclear Power Corp and its subsidiaries (CGN Group) for RM9.83 billion.

In a sale and purchase deal with CGN Group, 1MDB, Edra and its subsidiaries let go of their 100 percent ownership in Edra Solar Sdn Bhd, Edra Energy Sdn Bhd, Powertek Energy Sdn Bhd, Jimah Teknik Sdn Bhd, Jimah O&M Sdn Bhd, Mastika Lagenda Sdn Bhd and Tiara Tanah Sdn Bhd.

The transaction is expected to be completed in February this year.