Marwah says Habibie not pulling strings

Marwah says Habibie not pulling strings

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Defiant Golkar politician
Marwah Daud Ibrahim refuted on Wednesday allegations that former
president B.J. Habibie was behind the idea of establishing a
breakaway party to accommodate Golkar cadres dissatisfied with
Akbar Tandjung's leadership.

"This idea has nothing to do with Pak Habibie. The faction is
merely meant to pool the aspirations from the regions that cannot
be accommodated by Golkar," she said, referring to reports that
she would form a new organization called the Madani Party.

"Pak Habibie is not interested in politics anymore. He is
focusing on social activities now." Marwah also denied that she
received Rp 400 billion from the Habibie Center.

She complained the media had blown the matter out of
proportion and that she had no intention of setting up a splinter
party.

"Actually, Golkar Madani is only a faction within Golkar which
hopes to accommodate various aspirations. Its concept is to
encourage a critical stance and opinion for the sake of the
party."

Marwah, who hails from South Sulawesi, and several Golkar
politicians known to be strong supporters of Habibie's
presidential renomination bid last year set up an eastern
Indonesian politicians caucus.

The caucus -- known by the acronym Iramasuka denoting Irian
Jaya, Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, Sulawesi and Kalimantan -- firmly
supported Habibie, who was born in Sulawesi, for a second term in
office.

But with the fall of the Habibie government, the influence of
his supporters in Golkar has also eroded.

Habibie supporters have also alleged that Akbar did not put
the party's full weight behind its candidate's renomination bid.

Marwah contended that it was Akbar's leadership and his
unwillingness to listen to alternative aspirations which were the
cause of the problem.

"Actually, the (Madani) faction is not needed if Golkar is
able to absorb the will and wishes as well as aspirations from
the regions, and not act so self-centered."

She claimed the idea gained support from various party
branches and that there was need to consult with Akbar on the
matter because the faction was part of an attempt to further
democratize the party.

Akbar challenged Marwah last week, saying that if she was
dissatisfied with the outcome of the General Session of the
People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) in October, which rejected
Habibie's leadership, she could leave the party.

But Marwah argued on Wednesday that it was Akbar who was not
ready to accept plurality within party ranks.

"I think Pak Akbar is not ready to accept differences of
opinions and views," she said.

While conceding they were not close, Marwah maintained that
she "respects Pak Akbar as my brother". (27/edt)