Jakarta – The ruling Golkar's executive board has warned its MPs that they face unspecified disciplinary action if they nominated anyone other than Research and Technology Minister B. J. Habibie at next week's presidential and vice-presidential election, newspapers here reported yesterday.
Executive board co-chairman Abdul Gafur spoke of stern action if members broke ranks with the party's move to back the controversial Dr Habibie as President Suharto's running mate for the 1998-to-2003 term at next week's meeting of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).
The Indonesian Observer and newspaper quoted him as saying that the 45-member board "understood" that not all of Golkar's cadres might want Dr Habibie to assume the vice-presidency.
Several senior Golkar cadres have openly rejected the nomination of Dr Habibie, preferring instead to support former Population and Environment Minister Emil Salim, who declared his decision to stand for the post on Feb 16.
One cadre, Transmigration and Resettlement Minister Siswono Yudohusodo, has criticised Dr Habibie for having no "sense of crisis" because he intends to continue spending on the state-owned aircraft industry despite the country facing its worst economic crisis in decades.
Environment Minister Sarwono Kusumaatmadja, also a Golkar cadre, has been quoted as saying that Dr Emil, his predecessor, was an ideal leader.
Dr Emil told reporters yesterday he would press ahead with his bid despite doubts that he will even be able to formally stand as a candidate.
He said his candidacy was a "moral movement" and that support for his nomination "should not be seen as opposing the government".
Mr Abdul Gafur, who is Deputy Parliamentary Speaker, was confident, however, that the 1,000-member MPR would elect Dr Habibie unanimously.
"I think there will be no differences of opinion because there is only one candidate," he said.
Dr Habibie is expected to walk into the position as all factions making up the MPR – Golkar, the armed forces (Abri), the United Development Party, Indonesian Democratic Party and regional representatives – have all endorsed his candidacy.
Golkar chairman Harmoko, who will chair the MPR session, has also been quoted as saying that none of the party's members would dare oppose the nomination of Dr Habibie. "I will ensure there will be no interruptions from Golkar members.
Golkar members will always follow the regulations and be loyal," the Antara national news agency quoted him saying.
He said he had yet to decide how Golkar members should be punished if they raised any objections to matters discussed at the MPR session.
"Again I repeat – we will nominate Suharto and B. J. Habibie as candidates for the presidency and vice-presidency.
"There will be no other names. All Golkar cadres will support the decision," he said.
Armed forces chief General Wiranto has also said the military would not waver in its support for Dr Habibie.
"A decision of Abri today will remain the same tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and hereafter," he told reporters.
"You should not question the armed forces' stance on Habibie's nomination anymore."