Alwi wants PKB faction head changed

JAKARTA: Leader of the National Awakening Party (PKB) splinter group Alwi Shihab asked the House of Representatives on Wednesday to replace chairman of the party's faction at the legislative body Ali Masykur Musa.

"A House faction represents a party. If Ali Masykur Musa fails to fight for our interests, how can he represent us?" he said at the presidential office.

Alwi claimed he was the legitimate PKB leader in accordance with the party's statutes and reiterated that his central board structure had been registered with the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights.

PKB dismissed Alwi and Saifullah Yusuf as party chairman and secretary-general respectively for joining the Cabinet of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono last year.

House speaker Agung Laksono has said the House recognizes the PKB faction loyal to newly elected leader Muhaimin Iskandar. --JP