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