As rumours of a challenge for the Umno Youth chief post continues to circulate, the pressure is mounting on Hishamuddin Hussein to explain his contributions to the wing since assuming its leadership without contest in 2000.

Faced with this crisis, sources said Hishamuddin was relying on other leaders in the wing to consolidate his position.

"Some quarters in the party claim that he is using the people around him as a 'political leverage' to strengthen his position," said a source close to the wing today.

"Among Hishamuddin's most trusted people are Umno Youth assistant secretary Zulkifli Alwi and several other excos, who have been working extra hard to keep Hishamuddin in his post," added the source who declined to be named.

Hishamuddin was made Umno Youth chief in 2000 after incumbent Ahmad Zaid Hamidi was forced to step down. The latter was a staunch supporter of jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim.

"As such, it is difficult for anyone to gauge Hishamuddin's strength in Umno as he rose quickly through the political hierarchy, without facing any contest so far," said the source.

'Immature politician'

Adding salt to the injury, was the website - Umno Reform - which labelled Hishamuddin as an "immature politician" who owed his position to his family rather than support.

His grandfather Onn Jaafar founded Umno while his late father Hussein Onn was the country's third prime minister and the fourth party president.

Umno Reform also alleged that there were complaints about Hisamuddin limiting his interaction with his inner circle and not with the grassroots.

According to the website, Hishamuddin would find it difficult to defend his post should he be challenged at the coming party election.

However, another source dismissed this possibility. "I don't think anyone, including (Selangor Menteri Besar) Dr Mohd Khir Toyo will contest against Hishamuddin."

"As far as I know, he would do so only if Hishamuddin vacated the post to contest for the vice - presidency," he added when contacted.

Slim veep chance

The source said the focus was now on whether Hishamuddin would vie for a veep post and thus pave the way for Mohd Khir to contest for the Youth chief post.

Previously, malaysiakini reported that Hisahmuddin's supporters were not keen on seeing him go for the vice-presidency as that would put him on the warpath with several party titans, leaving him with a slim chance.

Asked to comment on the claim that Hishamuddin was ignoring grassroots support, the source replied: "I personally don't agree with this assumption. Each leader has a unique style of leadership. If some people don't like it...well, they are entitled to their opinions."