PKB warned of possible fallout in 2004

SURABAYA, East Java: A political analyst warned the National Awakening Party (PKB) of the possible fallout in the 2004 elections should it continue to turn a deaf ear to advice from ulemas at the grass roots.

Analyst M. Asfar, from state-run Airlangga University, said that his three months of research had indicated to him that ulemas, who are also the party's main patrons, had begun to show dismay at a number of the party's policies.

He cited as an example the recent reelection of East Java Governor Imam Utomo, in which party leader Abdurrahman Wahid had turned down candidates endorsed by ulemas in the province.

"As a result, some of the clerics began to flirt with PKB's rival, the United Development Party (PPP)," he said, referring to the Islamic-leaning party of Vice President Hamzah Haz.

He was quick to add that PPP was not the only party that might benefit from PKB internal rifts. "Other secular parties like Golkar have also been trying to woo the ulemas." -- JP