Mega tells govt to stay out of congress

JAKARTA: Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's government should not meddle in the upcoming Democratic Party Of Struggle (PDI-P) congress, party leader Megawati Soekarnoputri says.

Speaking at her 58th birthday party celebrations, Megawati called on Susilo to keep out of the May 28 congress, where her position as party leader is up for election. "Don't disturb the PDI-P congress," she said.

The former president said she had learned about a movement that aimed to remove her from the job. "They have said that anyone should become the new PDI-P chairman but me," she said.

Megawati said that any member of the party could contest the race for the party leadership if they could secure support from the PDI-P rank-and-file.

Earlier last week, a group of senior PDI-P members led by businessman-cum-politician Arifin Panigoro announced it aimed to remove Megawati from power. -- JP