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)