PDI-P accepts Sophan's resignation

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) is to replace Sophan Sophiaan, their faction chairman in the People's Consultative Assembly, as the party's executive board has approved his resignation.

The party treasurer, Noviantika Nasution, confirmed the report on Thursday saying that Sophan's resignation had been accepted by party chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri at the party's last internal meeting.

"Ibu Megawati approved the resignation request last Tuesday, but we have yet to determine his replacement as the faction will have to submit the names of five candidates to the executive board," Noviantika said.

She added that Sophan had resigned for health reasons and to anticipate the current political developments in the country.

"People should not speculate about this as it is perfectly normal to appoint replacements... and Sophan had been saying that he couldn't do his job properly due to his health problems," Noviantika said.

However, she refused to name the candidates to replace him saying that they would try to find someone who could act as a bridge between the executive board and the faction members.

Sophan, who is also a noted actor, was elected as faction chairman ahead of the People's Consultative Assembly annual session in August last year to replace Sutjipto, the party's secretary general as the later had been appointed Assembly deputy speaker.

"Some say we should appoint one of the executive board members so that the faction will act as ordered by the executive board and to avoid miscommunication between party members," Noviantika said.

Unconfirmed reports said that party deputy chairman Roy B. Janis would be one of the strongest candidates to replace Sophan.

However, many assume that the move will impact on the party's stance in respect of President Abdurrahman Wahid as Roy is known as belonging to one of the groups of hard-liners in the party that is more than willing to topple the President.

The faction secretary Heri Achmadi also confirmed Sophan's resignation saying that it was on health grounds.

"Actually, the executive board should have already appointed someone to replace Sophan as they had said it should be decided on April 30," Heri remarked.(dja)