Rival PKB faction invalid, Alwi says

JAKARTA: Chief welfare minister Alwi Shihab insisted on Monday that his faction of the split National Awakening Party (PKB) is the legitimate one, as it was supported by a recent ruling by the Supreme Court.

The PKB has been split into two camps -- one led by Alwi and the other led by Deputy House of Representatives Speaker Muhaimin Iskandar. The leadership dispute was settled in the courts.

"Please note that the registration of Muhaimin's PKB (with the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights) stipulates that if the Supreme Court rules in my favor, it is automatically invalid," Alwi told the press after attending a ceremony at the vice president's office.

Alwi's PKB faction won its appeal to the Supreme Court, which ruled that his dismissal as the party's leader last year by the central executive board was illegitimate.

The PKB, which then opposed the presidential nomination of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, removed Alwi from the party's top post in October 2004 after he joined the Cabinet.

Muhaimin has said Alwi's win did not affect the PKB leadership but added that his camp was ready to reconcile with Alwi's faction. --JP