No plan to overthrow Akbar, says Golkar deputy chairman

No plan to overthrow Akbar, says Golkar deputy chairman

JAKARTA (JP): Golkar deputy chairman Agung Laksono denied on
Monday rumors that the party would soon hold an extraordinary
meeting to topple chairman Akbar Tandjung.

"There's no such thing ... We only agreed to speed up our
consolidation," Agung said without explaining what he meant by
"consolidation".

He said the party needed to consolidate, especially ahead of
the 2004 general elections.

Antara news agency reported that Golkar legislator Aly Yahya
said there was a movement within the party aimed at toppling
Akbar from the chairmanship. Aly claimed the movement was led by
former justice minister Muladi, who had provided Rp 40 billion to
facilitate the party coup.

Muladi, who was a close ally of former president B.J. Habibie
and is currently the secretary of Golkar's Advisory Board, denied
the accusation on Monday, saying that he would take legal action
against Aly for his slanderous remarks.

Many Golkar officials close to Habibie are reportedly
disappointed with Akbar because of his lack of support in
securing the presidency for Habibie during the October
presidential election. (jun)