PKB still depends greatly on Gus Dur<\/p>\n
Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Semarang\/Jakarta<\/p>\n
The National Awakening Party (PKB) remains much dependent on its
\nfounder Abdurrahman \"Dus Dur\" Wahid, who has endorsed selected
\nfigures to compete for the party's top job in its congress,
\nscheduled to begin this weekend.<\/p>\n
While Gus Dur has won overwhelming support to maintain his
\npowerful position as the party's chief patron, he has endorsed
\nsome young figures close to him to vie for the leadership post.<\/p>\n
Adhie M. Massardi, a spokesman for Gus Dur, said that Gus Dur
\nhad allowed State Minister for the Development of Disadvantaged
\nRegions Saifullah Yusuf to join the race, despite their bitter
\nrelationship.<\/p>\n
\"To vie for the leadership post Saifullah is required to
\naccept the condition that he will quit the Cabinet and relinquish
\nhis top job in the Ansor Youth Organization should he be elected
\nPKB leader,\" Adhie said.<\/p>\n
Saifullah, better known as Gus Ipul, is one of Gus Dur's
\nnephews. Another of Gus Dur's nephews, Muhaimin Iskandar, who is
\nalso a House of Representatives deputy speaker, is another
\ncontender for the PKB leadership.<\/p>\n
PKB dismissed Alwi Shibab as the party leader after his
\nappointment as coordinating minister for people's welfare, while
\nSaifullah lost his secretary-general post in the PKB due to his
\nsupport for Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in the presidential election
\nlast year, instead of Wiranto as recommended by the PKB.<\/p>\n
Gus Dur has endorsed the nomination of Muhaimin, Ali Masykur
\nMusa and Mahfud MD for the party's number one post.<\/p>\n
Yahya C. Staquf, who supports Saifullah's bid, said
\nSaifullah's camp welcomed the softening stance of Gus Dur, who
\npreviously would endorse only three young figures to contest the
\nelection.<\/p>\n
\"Saifullah's case is progress. Gus Dur has changed his mind
\nconcerning Saifullah. Gus Dur's latest statement has opened a
\nchance for Saifullah to compete with other candidates in the
\ncongress,\" he said.<\/p>\n
He said Gus Dur's stance would influence the course of the
\ncongress, which would discuss the party's preparations for the
\n2009 elections and long-standing issue of duel jobs in the party
\nand in government.<\/p>\n
\"But, let the problems be resolved by congress participants
\nand Gus Dur. Saifullah is waiting to hear what the congress
\ndecides,\" Staquf said, citing that many PKB chapters had been
\nreluctant to express their support for Saifullah's candidacy
\nbecause of Gus Dur's unclear stance.<\/p>\n
PKB standing orders require all candidates for the party's
\nleadership to the win approval of the elected chairman of the
\nparty's board of patrons.<\/p>\n
The three-day congress will opened on Saturday by President
\nSusilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Giri Kusumo boarding school in
\nMranggen, Demak regency, some 25 kilometers from Semarang i
\nCentral Java.<\/p>\n
Secretary of the event's organizing committee Hermawi
\nFransiscus Taslim said the party had allocated Rp 4 billion
\n(US$421,000) for the congress.<\/p>\n
Some 2,750 delegates representing 425 regional branches, 34
\nprovincial chapters and the central executive board will take
\npart in the congress.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/pkb-still-depends-greatly-on-gus-dur-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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