Umno Youth chief aspirant Mukhriz Mahathir today rejected claims that he had gained an advantage in the race for the youth chief post by virtue of his opponent Khairy Jamaluddin being issued a warning by the party's disciplinary board yesterday.

Mukhriz, an outspoken youth exco member, told reporters in Parliament that despite the warning issued to Khairy for being involved in money politics through his agent, the race for the top post was still a three-cornered fight involving him, Khairy and Mohamad Khir Toyo.

mukhriz khir toyo khairy jamaluddin faceoff version 2 "I don't think (the warning letter) is an advantage... in any competition there will be a contest. We will be campaigning as usual to convince the youth delegates on our effort to the movement," he said.

"I don't think the delegates will judge us by what has happened but by what we have been doing for the past four years," he added.

Mukhriz added that he did not have a personal view on what had happened at the disciplinary board meeting and felt that the disciplinary board's decision was acceptable to all.

The disciplinary board yesterday also cleared Khir Toyo of any corrupt practices.

Asked on what would be his advice to the delegates, Mukhriz said: "I think the delegates are wise enough to make decisions based on their discretion.

"I am not sure if the recent development would affect their decision but hopefully it would reflect the wishes of the grassroots," he added.

"I am actually handing over my political career to them... hopefully they will let me lead them," he said.

"My chances were always from fair to good... (and) I think it is still the same as it has neither improved nor has it deteriorated."

The party polls are due to be held at the end of the month.

Ali Rustam's vast contribution

In a related matter, Mukhriz also expressed his sympathy to Umno deputy president hopeful Mohd Ali Rustam who had been barred from contesting in the upcoming party polls.

machap by election nomination 030407 ali rustam "He (Ali) is a leader who had contributed greatly to the party, therefore I hope despite the disciplinary board's decision, he would continue to be with us," said Mukhriz.

Party vice-president Mohd Ali was barred from contesting in the party polls after his agents were found to be guilty of money politics yesterday.

Meanwhile, veteran opposition MP Karpal Singh said the disciplinary board's decision on the ban should be investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

"Any member of MACC can lodge a police report (on the finding). That means, anybody can initiate a police report so that a police action can be taken against him (Ali).

Karpal further said that investigation should be launched against Khairy as well.

"Being let off is one thing. It is the finding of guilt (that they should be investigating)... that if he is guilty of money politics which comes within (allegations of ) corruption and I think both of them should be charged.