Bagus BT Saragih, Jakarta – Amid the growing political turmoil within the ruling Democratic Party, front man Anas Urbaningrum continues to remain silent by refusing to clarify graft allegations against himself and party colleagues.

Counting on the paternal guidance of party chief patron President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Anas has not addressed the corruption allegations surrounding a Southeast Asian (SEA) Games construction project and an election document fraud case implicating party elites.

Given his lowered profile, fellow party elites and even the President have taken the helm to steer the party.

The latest allegations come from party member and fugitive graft suspect Muhammad Nazaruddin, who accused Anas of receiving Rp 2 billion (US$234,900) in bribes in the SEA Games project from Rp 9 billion in total that was channeled to the party.

Anas refused requests to clarify the allegations and responded briefly on Twitter. "I do not have any knowledge of the allegations. A slanderer may be 'fertilizing dirt' for farmers' soil," he posted.

"[The allegations] are certainly lies. The amount [I am said to have accepted] also keeps changing, from Rp 9 billion to Rp 7 billion and now Rp 2 billion."

Calling for a quick end to the allegations against him, Anas called on the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) "to prove the accusations... by tracing the channeling of funds".

Former party treasurer Nazaruddin is implicated in corruption cases in three ministries and at the Constitutional Court.

After fleeing to Singapore shortly before an investigation into the cases, he sent text messages alleging that party colleagues were also involved in the SEA Games scandal. Other party members he accused were lawmakers Angelina Sondakh and Mirwan Amir as well as Youth and Sports Minister Andi Mallarangeng.

Yudhoyono called the "slanderous" messages "lies" while on Friday, presidential spokesman Julian Aldrin Pasha said the President had instructed the National Police to hunt for Nazaruddin despite an on-going parallel investigation by the KPK.

Because of repeated moves to contain the party's internal rifts, the President has been criticized for not separating his role as the country's top official and his role in the party.

Anas' lack of active roles in curbing the crisis were criticized by the Youth Community of Real Democrats (KAUM Demokrat Sejati), which has called for a special congress to review his chairmanship.

Party executive and House of Representatives Speaker Marzuki Alie called the string of scandals a "political tsunami" for the party, but said it was not indicative of leadership issues.

Marzuki also dismissed calls to hold a congress, calling it "an undemocratic New Order method" in reference to the 32-year reign of former strongman Soeharto.

Party spokeswoman Andi Nurpati said Anas was doing a good job of keeping the party united.

She said the party's central executive board had regular meetings at the party offices in Jakarta to close ranks and prevent internal rifts.