After his father captured headlines over the much anticipated debate with Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz, now Dr Mahathir Mohamad's son Mukhriz has been issued a challenge as well.

The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) deputy president, who was also former Kedah menteri besar, is being challenged to a debate over his wealth.

His former special officer, Haris Che Mat, said Mukhriz must explain this matter to the public.

“The people want to know whether he became rich on his own efforts or otherwise. As far as I know, he is not from a wealthy background.

“I want Mukhriz to declare how he and his brothers, the sons of a former prime minister, can become millionaires in such a short period,” he was quoted as saying by Utusan Online.

Haris said he would leave it to Mukhriz to fix the date and time for the debate in Jerlun, Kedah.

Malaysiakini could not reach Mukhriz, who is the MP for Jerlun, for comment.

Previously, his father had challenged Nazri to a debate in the latter's parliamentary stronghold of Padang Rengas in Perak.

The minister accepted the dare and it was fixed for this Saturday in Kuala Kangsar.

However, the police had declined to provide permission for the debate on the grounds that it was being held in a school, and the organiser had failed to provide a 10-day notice as required by the law.

The debate has since been rescheduled to April 7 in Shah Alam.