East Java backs Hamzah, Tosari

SURABAYA: The East Java chapter of the United Development Party (PPP) nominated Vice President Hamzah Haz and House deputy speaker Tosari Widjaja candidates for the party's chairmanship for the 2003-2008 period on Friday.

Incumbent PPP chairman Hamzah has said he would not contest another term if there were no contenders from the younger generation for the election scheduled for May.

Secretary of East Java's PPP chapter, Muhammad Mirdasy, said if Hamzah declined the nomination, the chapter would support Tosari, who is one of the party's deputy chairmen.

During the congress in May, the chapter would campaign for regeneration in the central board of executives, which is currently dominated by older figures.

Mirdasy expressed disappointment in Hamzah, who he said would use state facilities when he attends the party's anniversary celebrations on April 26. -- Antara