Akbar told to drop presidential bid

Akbar told to drop presidential bid

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Media baron Surya Paloh said on
Thursday he would ask Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung to
reconsider his bid for the presidency.

Paloh, who is contesting the national convention to select
Golkar's presidential candidate, told party supporters here that
the convention would be meaningless if Akbar took part because as
party chairman he would easily win.

"He should consider what the convention means to Golkar Party
if he joins," Paloh said.

Previously, Nurcholish Madjid, another figure intending to
contest the convention, had suggested Akbar stay out as his
participation would set a bad model for national politics and
democracy.

Like Nurcholish, Paloh said he would drop his candidacy if
Akbar joined the convention.

A number of Golkar executives have criticized demands for
Akbar, a graft convict, not to run for presidency, saying such
demands were discriminatory. -- JP