Akbar ready to contest election

JAKARTA: In response to the recent challenge posed by his deputy, Golkar Party leader Akbar Tandjung said on Tuesday he was ready to contest the party's leadership election next month.

"I leave the matter to the party, but if the majority want me to run, I'm ready," Akbar said.

Akbar won his first five-year term at the party's helm in 1999, beating former military commander Gen. (ret) Eddie Sudrajat.

On Monday, Golkar deputy leader Marwah Daud Ibrahim said she would challenge Akbar in the election and insisted that Vice President Jusuf Kalla -- who is a Golkar patron -- be allowed to join the race. -- JP