PBR 'opposes' Zainuddin's bid

JAKARTA: Noted Muslim preacher Zainuddin MZ is facing strong resistance from within the Reform Star Party (PBR) to his bid to win a second term as the party's leader, PBR officials said on Tuesday.

PBR deputy secretary Miqdad Husein said the majority of party executives in the regions did not want Zainuddin to run for a second term during the party's three-day congress from April 26 to April 28.

"These wishes should be responded to positively by Pak Kyai (Zainuddin)," he said.

In February, 25 provincial branches of the PBR held a meeting in Cisarua, West Java, with at least 18 of the branches voicing opposition to another term for Zainuddin.

Miqdad said the PBR should replace its leadership to improve its chances of success in the 2009 elections. --Antara