Democratic Party politician Ruhut Sitompul has been removed from his position as the party's communications and information head, reportedly for his frequent criticism of party chairman Anas Urbaningrum.

Ruhut had repeatedly called on Anas to relinquish his post once his name became associated with the graft-ridden construction of the sports complex in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java.

Another leading party figure, Andi Mallarangeng, was recently named a suspect in the case and he immediately quit as youth and sports minister and as secretary to the party's board of patrons.

Ruhut claimed that Anas should follow Andi's example, especially since his alleged involvement in the case had often been mentioned by graft convict Muhammad Nazaruddin, the party's former treasurer.

Democratic Party faction chairwoman Nuhayati Ali Assegaf, however, said that such rotations were normal in any organization. "We don't need to exaggerate this issue," she was quoted by Antara news agency as saying in Jakarta on Friday.