Word twisting for noted preacher

BANYUMAS, Central Java: Famous Moslem leader Zainuddin MZ had his nickname twisted from "propagator of a million followers", for the huge audience he attracts every time he appears in public, to "propagator of one million rupiahs" here yesterday.

Making fun of the respected Jakarta Moslem leader was a United Development Party (PPP) politician Chotidjah during an election campaign here yesterday.

PPP supporters nickname Chotidjah the "Podium Lioness from Semarang" for her fiery speeches during election campaigns.

Zainuddin, like popular dangdut folk singer Rhoma Irama, is understood to have shifted his political allegiance from the Moslem-based PPP to Golkar.

She called on PPP supporters to forget men like Zainuddin and Rhoma.

"We no longer need the propagator of one million followers because he has become a propagator of one million in cash," the lioness roared. (wah/pan)