Sutiyoso will not seek reelection to lead PBSI

Antara ,  Jakarta   |  Thu, 05/15/2008 6:06 PM  |  Sports

Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) chairman Sutiyoso on Thursday said he was not seeking reelection.

"I have no intention of leading this organization again due to various reasons," he said at a ceremony to commemorate PBSI's 57th anniversary.

"Leading a sports organization in Indonesia is not an easy job because the leader has to have managerial skills and the ability to raise funds."

It is common in Indonesia to have a high-ranking official or a successful businessman lead a sports organization because these people are considered to have plenty of money.

Sutiyoso, whose term will end after the Beijing Olympics, was still Jakarta governor when he was elected chairman in 2004, making it "easy for me to raise funds from donors," he said.

"PBSI chapters and branches should carefully pick their candidates after my tenure," he said.

"Leading a sports organization requires dedication. It is not the place to seek a living."

Sutiyoso has announced his intention to race in the 2009 presidential election although he has yet to get support from any major political party. (****)

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