Umno Youth to counter allegations

Umno Youth will answer all allegations made by Gerakan Youth vice-chief S. Paranjothy against Umno and its leaders, Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said.

He said Paranjothy's accusations were serious and aimed at Umno leaders, including himself and his deputy, Khairy Jamaluddin.

"He claimed that he was telling the truth but that was not the case," he said when asked to comment on the issue.

Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon on Sunday said disciplinary action would be taken against Paranjothy for his statement which had hurt Umno members.

Asked whether Paranjothy's party membership should be suspended, Hishammuddin, who is Barisan Nasional Youth chairman, said the matter should be handled by Gerakan leaders.

"It's Gerakan's right to make such a decision. They themselves have said that Paranjothy's allegations are baseless."

Hishammuddin said the opposition, including Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was already taking advantage of the issue.

"He's been campaigning that he will rebuild all demolished Hindu temples and develop the Indian community.

"Those who listen to his ceramah should ask him how many temples and Tamil schools he had helped build when he was deputy prime minister and education minister."