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.