Akbar ready to contest election

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