Minister ready to challenge VP

Minister ready to challenge VP

JAKARTA: Vice President Hamzah Haz is likely to face a tough
challenge from Minister of Social Affairs Bachtiar Chamsyah in a
battle for the leadership of the United Development Party (PPP).

"My colleagues have frequently urged me to run for the party's
high post, and I've decided to take up that challenge," said
Chamsyah, a senior member of the Muslim-based party.

PPP, which is currently led by Hamzah, PPP is slated to hold
its national congress from May 20 through May 24 in Jakarta.
During the congress, party members will choose a new chairman to
lead the party from 2003 through 2008.

So far, only Hamzah and Chamsyah have expressed a desire to
run for the party's top post.

Chamsyah said on Sunday that his nomination would not disrupt
his relationship with Hamzah, because the Vice President had said
he welcomed younger members to lead PPP.

"Hamzah has welcomed younger members to lead the party and I
am answering that call," he said.

Whoever is elected to the top post, he or she will play an
important role in determining the party's presidential and vice
presidential candidates as well as legislative candidates in the
2004 elections, when the country holds its first direct
presidential election. --Antara