Tarmizi named PKB campaigner

SURABAYA: Former minister of religious affairs Tarmizi Taher said on Thursday he had been enlisted to campaign for the National Awakening Party (PKB) by co-founder Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid.

"I expressed my intention to be the party's campaigner. (Gus Dur) was glad," Tarmizi said after a meeting with the country's former president at a VIP room in Djuanda Airport here.

Tarmizi, who has been touted as the party's vice presidential candidate, said the PKB would discuss his offer further.

The PKB has officially nominated Gus Dur its presidential candidate.

Asked about Tarmizi's chance of becoming his running mate, Gus Dur said: "I should not reply now. There are still many possibilities."

Gus Dur has commented on Golkar Party leader Akbar Tandjung and former Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. (ret) Wiranto as other potential running mates.

The campaign period begins March 11 through April 1. -- Antara