Clerics support Hamzah's bid

PROBOLINGGO, East Java: A number of Muslim clerics or kyai have asked Vice President Hamzah Haz to be ready to contest the first ever presidential election on July 5.

Hamzah, chairman of the Islamic-based United Development Party (PPP), said Wednesday that dozens of kyai had asked him to prepare his presidential bid in a closed-door meeting.

He made the statement after a meeting with the kyai at the Zainul Hassan Islamic boarding school.

Among the kyai attending the meeting were Hassan Saiful Islam, Fawaid Syamsul Arifin, Ihyaulimiddin, and Hassan Syaiful Rizal.

Hamzah told the Muslim clerics that he would make a decision after the results of the general election were announced.

East Java, the stronghold of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), will contribute a large portion of the votes in the elections. A number of politicians including Amien Rais, Wiranto, and Abdurrahman Wahid often visit the region. - Antara