PKB leaders meet Akbar Tandjung

JAKARTA: The Alwi Shihab-led executive board of the National Awakening Party (PKB) met with House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung on Wednesday, apparently seeking political support against their rival party, chaired by Matori Abdul Djalil.

After months of legal wrangling, the Supreme Court declared on June 17 Alwi Shihab as the party's legal chairman. Matori is seeking a review to the ruling.

But to Alwi's surprise, the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights rejected his party's registration for the 2004 elections.

The ministry said the registration could not be processed, pending the results of Matori's review request.

Alwi asked the House to summon Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra for intervening in the legal dispute.

Responding to the demand, Akbar said the Supreme Court ruling must be taken as the main reference for any dispute.--JP