Syaifullah's dismissal not final

JAKARTA: The National Awakening Party (PKB) top brass will regroup soon after the general election to discuss the fate of its secretary-general Syaifullah Yusuf, who has been dismissed by its chief patron Abdurrahman Wahid.

"The case will be discussed again," Abdurrahman, better known as Gus Dur, said after casting his vote on Monday.

Former president Gus Dur had said earlier the dismissal took effect on April 5 (Monday), but the party chairman, Alwi Shihab, insisted that PKB executives maintain their cool and consider the dismissal not final.

A source said a letter of dismissal had been signed by Alwi, Gus Dur and secretary of PKB advisory council Arifin Junaidi on Sept. 30, 2003. The source also tipped Muhaimin Iskandar and Ali Masykur Musa as Syaifullah's replacement.

Syaifullah has been accused of campaigning against Gus Dur's presidential bid. -- Antara