Aburizal noted that the negative remarks about his candidacy only motivated him to work harder to win.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The general chairman of the Golkar Party, Indonesias second-largest party, Aburizal Bakrie, said here on Friday that he will not withdraw from his partys nomination as a presidential candidate.
He would not withdraw, especially since the decision had been made to nominate him, he said in his speech at the opening of the partys fifth national leadership meeting.
He noted that the negative remarks about his candidacy only motivated him to work harder to win.
He added that he was aware of the controversies surrounding his nomination, but they were only challenging him to work even harder.
"In paddy fields, the crops have turned yellow, signalling they are ready for harvest in the next few months. In view of that, we should use this leadership meeting to close the party ranks and become united for the good of Golkar party," he said. (The Golkar party flag is a yellow flag.)
Aburizal noted that the presidential election is still seven months away, and that the situation could change significantly by then.
"Indonesian people are smart and they know what they want. In addition, momentum can come and go at any time," he stated.
He noted that the candidate with the best chance would be the one who remains positive and works hard, while paying attention to peoples aspirations.
He added that he would work hard to win the next presidential election.
He said every candidate shared the desire to advance the nation, adding that the fate of the presidential election is ultimately in the hands of millions of people.
"This is what has driven me to travel across the country and listen to what the people want," he added.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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