Jakarta branches against PPP Reform

JAKARTA: All branches and the provincial chapter of the United Development Party (PPP) have pledged their allegiance to Chairman Hamzah Haz and oppose a move by their members to join a splinter group called PPP Reform.

"For us, the planned declaration of PPP Reform reveals the hidden intent to seek positions and vested interest," the chief of South Jakarta branch, Amarullah Saleh, said on Thursday.

Amarullah read aloud a statement on behalf of executives of the party's branches and chapter, who also attended the meeting.

Some of their colleagues, including chapter chairman Djafar Badjeber, support the breakaway move, which originated from demands for changes in the party's board of executives.

The PPP splinter group, led by noted Muslim cleric Zainuddin MZ, has registered itself with the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, and will declare its existence on Sunday.

Amarullah labeled the planned declaration an attempt by a small number of PPP officials and members to split the Muslim- based party, which finished third in the 1999 elections.

He warned the breakaway group against using symbols and attributes belonging to PPP, and asked them to relinquish their legislative posts. -- Antara