The two top Umno Youth leaders have up the ante today in the political stand-off with their Barisan Nasional counterparts in MCA Youth over the controversial remarks made by Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin.

Khairy said he would not apologise as demanded by MCA Youth, according to Sin Chew Daily evening edition today.

The Umno Youth deputy chief argued that any action that "upholds the dignity of religion and the interest of ethnic community" does not require an apology.

Khairy added that Umno Youth must remain firm on its stand, even on matters involving other BN component parties.

"Many people say our criticism is too harsh, provocative and extreme, but this does not matter as we are upholding our religious dignity and pride. So why should I apologise?" said Khairy.

The daily also reported that Khairy's boss, Umno Youth chief Hishammuddin Hussein was angry with MCA Youth for repeatedly asking his deputy to apologise.

He said that there was an existing channel in the ruling BN coalition to resolve such issues and Khairy has yet to explain himself officially.

Khairy, who is Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's son-in-law, had stirred up controversy when he warned that the minority Chinese community would take advantage of a weakened Umno to press for their rights.

In the past week, Khairy's remarks have received widespread criticism from the Chinese community and Chinese-based political parties.

Both MCA leaders and the delegates have leveled intense criticisms against the Umno Youth No 2 at the party's annual general assembly which met over the past two days.

Proper channel

In an immediate reaction, MCA Youth chief Liow Tiong Lai said he intended to use the "proper channel" through the BN Youth to convey his party's concerns.

"It essential for Hishammuddin to understand the views and opinions of MCA Youth," he said when approach by reporters.

"I have tried to call him as I wished to express my views to him," he said. "Both of us have agreed that this matter should be resolved through the Barisan Nasional Youth."

Liow added that if Khairy felt the issue was simply a misunderstanding, then the Umno Youth deputy chief should explain why this was so.

He stressed that leaders should be responsible for what they said.