Incumbent Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin has been accused of abusing his power in defending his position at this month's party polls.

NONEOne of his challengers, Syed Rosli Syed Herman Jamallulail (right) aired the allegation today, claiming that Khairy had abused his position as youth and sports minister.

He claimed that Khairy had used his ministry's machinery to help in his campaign.

"Candidates are prohibited from campaigning without the permission of Umno headquarters and and state liaison office.

"Secondly, he abused a ministry programme for party interests," he told a press conference in Ampang this afternoon.

NONESyed Rosli zoomed in on a Oct 2 8.30pm get-to-know-the-minister event for youths at Kompleks Belia Kampung Pandan.

He claimed that Khairy (right)  had used the occasion to meet and campaign among Umno Youth division leaders there and introduced a few candidates for exco positions in the wing.

Syed Rosli said that he will present the evidence to the Umno disciplinary board and possibly to the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC).

"I will pass all the evidence to the Umno disciplinary board and I hope they will consider my protest," he said.

‘Action wanted or else'

Syed Rosli said if the party disciplinary board does not act, which can include disqualifying Khairy from the contest, he will turn to the MACC.

Malaysiakini has contacted Khairy's office and is awaiting response.

Syed Rosli also dared his opponent to take a religious oath that he will not involve himself in corruption.

"So long as YB Khairy does not accept my challenge, then YB Khairy and (Opposition Leader) Anwar Ibrahim are the same," he said.

He was referring to Anwar's refusal to entertain BN leaders repeated challenges for him to take a religious oath to prove that he was not a sodomite.

The other contenders for the Umno Youth top spot are Bendang Baru Umno Youth branch chief Akhramsyah Muammar Ubaidah Sanusi, former Merbok Umno Youth division chief Abd Karim Ali and Bukit Setiawangsa Umno Youth chief Irwan Ambak Khalid Izhar.

KJ refutes allegation of using ministry's machinery