Yusuf Kalla ready to replace Akbar

Yusuf Kalla ready to replace Akbar

JAMBI: Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Yusuf Kalla
expressed his readiness to take over the Golkar Party leadership
from convicted chairman Akbar Tandjung should party members so
demand.

"If the regional branches of Golkar trust me, I will consider
it (the position)," said Kalla after opening a meeting on
regional development in Jambi on Tuesday.

For the sake of safeguarding the party's future, some senior
party executives have demanded that Akbar resign. But, Akbar
still retains the sympathy of younger Golkar members.

Among the senior members who have urged Akbar to relinquish
the post are Marwah Daud Ibrahim and Theo L. Sambuaga, both from
the party's East Indonesian Caucus (Iramasuka).

Akbar was convicted of corruption and sentenced to three years
in prison. But the court did not immediately order his arrest
after Akbar appealed the verdict. - Antara