Khairy accuses writer of extorting RM100,000

(The Malaysian Insider) – The Umno party elections is getting nastier and more desperate by the day.

Khairy Jamaluddin has lodged a police report against freelance writer Yahya Ismail for defaming him in a book titled Tuah dan Sial Khairy Jamaluddin.

The deputy Umno Youth chief has also alleged that the writer tried to extort RM100,000 from him.

In return, Yahya promised not to write the book.

It is learnt that the book has been mailed to the houses of all Youth delegates.

Khairy is contesting the top position. in Umno Youth against Datuk Dr Khir Toyo and Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir.

Traditionally, a host of sensational books are published just before the party assembly. The number of publications spikes during election years when candidates pay writers significant sums of money to put out damaging books about the competition.

These books are sold at the Putra World Trade Centre or distributed to delegates.

The battle for the top post in Umno Youth has become one of the most intense electoral battles at this year's polls.

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has slammed Khairy and Khir Toyo and is campaigning to get his son elected on Thursday.

The police investigation into the report lodged by Khairy could uncover the hidden hand behind Yahya Ismail's book.

And this discovery could complicate efforts to unite Umno Youth after the elections.