[Leading law-makers in Indonesia are calling for the suspension of Akbar Tanjung as parliamentary speaker following his conviction for corruption. A Jakarta court has sentenced Mr Tanjung to three years' jail, for misusing over US four-million dollars in state funds, meant for the poor. Indonesians have been following the case closely, seeing it as indicative of the government's resolve in implementing reform.]

Presenter/Interviewer: Sen Lam

Speakers: August Parengkuan, President of the Indonesian television station, TV Tujuh

Parengkuan: "Yes that is a good sign for the rule of law, but what people are talking about now is that there'll be an internal fight in Golkar because there are groups who really want to take over Akbar Tanjung's position."

Lam: Is this a low point for Golkar which after all used to be the ruling party in Indonesia?

Parengkuan: "Since they went through the court ... of course the opponents will use this to fight the Golkar, but I believe that Golkar will be still the party with all the apparatus. They will be the party in the sense of the party administration and the apparatus and since Akbar Tanjung has been convicted in the court, doesn't mean that that will weaken Golkar because they will still have a strong hold."

"But that also very much depends on the internal fighting because we have tradition of the party being divided. If they can overcome this problem internally, then I think Golkar will still be the party to be counted – by other parties. He still has support within Golkar especially from the Indonesian Muslim Students Association – that is very much important that Akbar Tanjung will say something – who he will support among the people who is fighting to try and get his seat."

"Once he decides or he mentions a name then that name, then I believe they will have power – enough to have support – enough to take over the seat as the party president."

Lam: Akbar Tanjung of course has said that he will appeal to a higher court and indeed to the Supreme Court of necessary – but already there have been calls in Indonesia's parliament for him to resign as speaker – is he likely to do that?

Parengkuan: "I don't think he will do that. Because if he does that – first he would have to face his supporters and he's not meant to disappoint them, and secondly then he will be unsure about his appeal if he is no longer the Golkar's President and especially if he has no longer become the Speaker of the House."

Lam: You think that might diminsh his chances of an appeal?

Parengkuan: "Yes."

Lam: Why is that?

Parengkuan: "Because if he resigned then he will be a "nobody"."

Lam: So you think the judiciary could still be influenced by the Opposition in standing in Indonesian politics?

Parengkuan: "Yes ... somewhere yes. Especially if he is still within the party then they can still show their power."