Ex-Golkar seen dominating Hanura

PALU, Central Sulawesi: The Central Sulawesi branch of the People's Conscience Party (Hanura) is led by several former Golkar Party members.

The Golkar influence is clearly seen in the appointment of Abdul Karim Hanggi, former Golkar representative at the House of Representatives, as chairman of the branch's central board.

Apart from Hanggi, former Buol regent Bayu Alexander Montang, general manager of a local daily in Palu and head of the Golkar media department, is listed as vice speaker of the party, which was founded by Gen. (ret.) Wiranto.

"There are five former provincial Golkar Party leaders who have joined Hanura," said Montang.

Montang said he had joined Hanura as a form of protest against Golkar."I have never regretted moving to a new party," he said.

Wiranto was slated to appoint the leadership of the party's branch on Tuesday. He was also scheduled to attend a religious service at the Al-Akhairat Islamic Education Center in Palu on Oct. 24.

Head of Golkar in Central Sulawesi, Aminuddin Ponulele, said Golkar members had the right to move to Hanura and he had no authority to stop them.***