Embattled PKB faces another crisis

Embattled PKB faces another crisis

KEDIRI, East Java: As many as 54 clerics from Nahdlatul Ulama
(NU) have demanded the central board of the National Awakening
Party (PKB) annul its recent decision to dismiss Syaifullah Yusuf
as the party's general secretary.

"If they do not comply with our demand, NU kyais (clerics)
will ask for a PKB extraordinary meeting. If the meeting is not
held, we will set up a new political party," said Cholil Bisri, a
respected NU cleric and a lawmaker representing the PKB.

The clerics held a meeting at the residence of Idris Marzuki,
who runs a boarding school in Lirboyo, Kediri on Tuesday
afternoon.

Cholil, a deputy speaker from the People's Consultative
Assembly, said the clerics planned another meeting in Jakarta
involving some 1,000 clerics, aimed at setting up a caucus to
accommodate the interests of NU clerics.

The PKB advisory board recommended the dismissal of Syaifullah
due to, among other things, his suggestion to reconcile with
rival Matori Abdul Djalil. -- JP