He said there did not seem to be a definite plan for the two entities which were still receiving funding.

“If you read the bill in detail, both the PLKN and BTN still remain, except their programmes have been discontinued.

“Both the entities, which previously requested for additional funds to be channelled to them, still exist.

“Funds are still being channelled to PLKN and BTN. So what happens to them, that’s the big question,” he said.

When asked if he agreed with Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman who said that the abolishment and restructuring were done due to “cost-cutting”, Khairy said PLKN 2.0 had already identified those problems.

“That is why when we launched PLKN 2.0, we reduced the participants tremendously and retailored the programme.

“Under the PLKN 2.0, we placed focus on programmes which honed skills (including language and financial education programmes).

“The youths even had the option to further their participation at the National Youth Training Institute (IKBN),” he said.

Asked if PLKN and BTN were merely created to indoctrinate youths with political influences, Khairy admitted that such elements were noticeable under the BTN.

“PLKN was conducted to instil nationalism. There is definitely no such elements.

“As for BTN, it is understood. BTN definitely has (political elements),” he said.

Asked if Syed Saddiq’s claims that the 1M4U was merely created as a platform to sell the ‘I Love PM’ slogan during the previous administration, Khairy dismissed the suggestion.

“It is unfair to make such a general statement, saying that the programme is an ‘I Love PM’ programme.

“1M4U has conducted many programmes which involved the community and voluntarism work. These have nothing to do with politics. How are these programmes politically related?” he questioned.

Earlier today, the Youth and Sports Minister confirmed the abolishment of the PLKN and BTN.

Syed Saddiq said civil servants attached to both government initiatives would be absorbed into his ministry.