Wiranto again threatens to sue Jusuf Kalla for libel

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Tue, 11/11/2008 8:22 PM  |  National

Chairman Wiranto of the People's Conscience Party (Hanura) reiterated his threat to bring his dispute against Golkar Party leader and Vice President Jusuf Kalla to court over a statement Wiranto deemed offensive.

"I will continue pursuing the truth," said Wiranto, who previously said he was backed by a 100-lawyer team, as quoted by Kompas.com Tuesday.

He said he was upset with Kalla for his statement at last month's Golkar congress. Kalla had said Golkar would not hold a national convention to select its presidential candidate for fear that freeloaders would take advantage.

Wiranto believed Kalla was referring to him in that statement.

Wiranto was named Golkar's 2004 presidential candidate after the party's August 2003 convention. He and his running mate Nahdlatul Ulama leader Solahuddin Wahid were eliminated in the first round of voting. Wiranto later left the party.

"He was talking about someone who left the party without saying anything. Who else was he referring to other than me?" Wiranto asked.

Kalla has denied Wiranto's allegation, saying his statement was meant to remind Golkar members how easily any outsiders could gate-crash a convention.

Neither Kalla nor Wiranto have yet officially declared their bids for the presidency, saying they are awaiting the outcomes of the legislative elections in April 2009. The presidential election is
slated to take place in July 2009. (dre)
 

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