"So far we have never joined a coalition, including the central axis force in the past, and PBB had its own presidential candidate," Yusril said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Advisory Council Chairman of the Crescent and Star Party (PBB) Yusril Ihza Mahendra stated that his party was not interested in joining a central axis coalition in nominating a presidential candidate.

"So far we have never joined a coalition, including the central axis force in the past, and PBB had its own presidential candidate," Yusril noted in a PBB cadres gathering at Hotel Bumi Minang, Padang, West Sumatra on Friday.

He added that in the 1999 general elections PBB was reported to be part of the central axis coalition of Islamic-based political parties, but it was not true. It was only a unilateral claim by Amien Rais, the then general chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN), Yusril added.

If in this years general elections the Islamic-based political parties once again establish a central axis coalition to nominate its presidential hopeful, PBB will not join in, but instead will nominate its own presidential hopeful, Yusril noted.

"PBB will stick to its own decisions and will not be influenced by the idea to establish a central axis coalition," he asserted.

He admitted that so far no other parties had supported him for presidential nomination. He has also not yet decided the person who will be nominated as presidential candidate for the PBB.

Right now, the PBB cadres are still concentrating on winning as many votes as possible to secure legislative seats in the central parliament and in the region.

United Development Party (PPP) chairman Suryadharma Ali explained recently that the so-called "central axis" coalition, which formed in the 2004 election, could again coalesce in this years presidential election.

"I am convinced that the central axis coalitions firm belief in developing a new era of national politics could be realized," he asserted.

Suryadharma remarked that leaders of Islamic political parties in Indonesia had maintained good communication, and thus the central axis could be set up again for the 2014 election.

"In principle, relationships among the chairmen of political parties are strong. Furthermore, we, the chairmen of Islamic political parties, are present in the Cabinet, so, we meet at least once a week," he pointed out.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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