Taufik told to stay clear of the press

JAKARTA: Senior member of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Taufik Kiemas has been warned against giving statements or interviews to the media ahead of the presidential election.

"I am so sorry we can no longer grant you any interview with Pak Taufik, because it the policy of the presidential campaign not to permit interviews with him," one of Taufik's aides said on Wednesday.

Taufik, who is President Megawati Soekarnoputri's husband, has always been a favorite among journalists due to his statements, which are sometimes controversial. The latest of his widely publicized statements was about a possible coalition between PDI- P and Golkar Party in the upcoming presidential election.

PDI-P is preparing the formation of a "Mega Center", which will help her win a full five-year mandate as president. --JP