PBB set to hold congress next week

BENGKULU: Members of the Crescent Star Party (PBB) will discuss the party's future at a congress from April 28 to May 1 in Surabaya, East Java, following its dismal performance in last year's general elections.

Deputy chairman of PBB Sahar L. Hassan said on Thursday that party members would decide whether they should form a new party or join other political parties to be able to participate in the 2009 general elections.

PBB failed to garner enough votes during last year's election to enable the party to reach the 2 percent electoral threshold. This means the party cannot participate in the next election.

Sahar said that party members and leaders were still divided on the two options, but said that any merger would only be made with similar Islam-based parties.

PBB is chaired by founder Yusril Ihza Mahendra, who is also the Cabinet Secretary of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's administration. -- Antara