An Umno leader who was labelled as the "lowest of the low" by Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar said that the statement shows that the latter was "belittling" the party's grassroots.

Pusat Bandar Taman Cempaka Umno branch leader Syed Rosli Jamalullail said that Khairy should respect the voice of the grassroots members which enabled the young minister to be voted as youth chief last year.

Syed Rosli added that even though he was called "lowest form of creature" in the party hierarchy by Khairy, he was among the "lower members that voted for him (Khairy)" at the last party elections.

"His statement belittles the grassroots. But when it's election time, who does Khairy look for? He looks for the grassroots members to defend his position.

"He goes to the lowest (members) to get votes. He should at least say 'thank you' and respect the desire of members that gave him the post.

"This is an insult to all Umno grassroots members who speak out," Syed Rosli said.

Yesterday, Khairy, who is also youth and sports minister, told reporters to quote a leader who is credible, not somebody like Syed Rosli.

'Highest form of creature' afraid?

When contacted by Malaysiakini , Syed Rosli who is also the branch information chief, said that many members from the division and grassroots level would agree with him that Prime Minster Najib Abdul Razak’s leadership was weak and he should step down.

However, he alleged that many of the members were not "brave enough" to voice their concerns over the fear of losing their posts and certain projects.

"I, as the 'lowest form of creature' have no other significance. I speak honestly and without any individual importance," Syed Rosli added.

Meanwhile, Syed Rosli said that he was still waiting on Khairy to accept his challenge of swearing an oath (sumpah laknat) before the Quran to the effect that he would not commit corrupt practices while contending the post of Umno Youth chief.

"It has been over a year since I challenged him at the Umno building to swear an oath that he does not practice corruption in politics. Is he as ‘the highest form of creature in Umno’ afraid of my challenge?

"If he responds (to the challenge), I will respect him," he said while clarifying that he was not accusing Khairy of corruption but only wants the Rembau MP to accept his challenge.

When asked if his statement represented the stand of Umno Pandan as was reported, he explained that it was his own personal stand.

"However, I am sure that many will support me, including the comments that were shared in the media report," Syed Rosli said.

On Wednesday, it was reported that Syed Rosli wrote an open letter to Najib demanding the Umno president to quit before the next election.

In his letter, he said that the premier has become a liability to BN and his services were no longer needed.