Sukabumi PPP Leader Defies Official Party's Decision

Sukabumi, W Java (Antara) - A branch leader of the Islamic United Development Party (PPP) in Sukabumi renounced the party's official decision by declaring his support for presidential hopeful Joko Widodo . PPP is one of the big coalition supporting rival presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto . Eko Arif, the spokesman of PPP of Sukabumi said he had called on other fellow PPP cadres in that city to follow his step. He said Jokowi as Joko Widodo is better known, is a much better candidate than Prabowo to lead the country for the next five years. "Jokowi and his running mate Jusuf Kalla (JK) are populist, modest and more pro people," he said. He said he was not worried to face the risk of dismissal by his superior party leaders . He said he was aware of the risk that he is facing , but he warned the party would lose its best cadres in Sukabumi. "I have other PPP leaders and sympathizers who have agreed to follow me to vote for Jokowi-JK in the July 9 election day," he said. He said by giving his vote for Jokowi-JK does not mean he wanted to split the party , but "I only exercise my democratic rights." "This is a democratic country. One must respect other people's rights<' he said, adding , "ones must not be misled by black campaigns," Jokowi has been a target of black campaigns believed to be launched by his opposing camp. Jokowi has been accused of being a Christian and a son of Chinese from Singapore. In addition, PPP is only a member of the coalition supporting candidate from other parties -- Prabowo from Gerindra party and his running mate Hatta Rajas from the National Mandate Party (PAN), he said. "If Jokowi is a better candidate, why should we votes for Prabowo. We must not regret what we have decided for the next five years," he said. He said he already taken active part in campaigning for Jokowi such as by distributing T shirts with Jokwoi-JK drawing among the local people including PPP sympathizers. (*)