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