DIN SYAMSUDDIN PREPARED TO JOIN PRESIDENTIAL RACE

Tegal, Feb 28 (ANTARA) - Din Syamsuddin, chairman of Muhammadiyah , the second largest Islamic organization in Indonesia, has expressed his readiness to be nominated for president or vice president.

"I have never nominated myself. But if asked whether I am ready to be nominated and to compete in the presidential election, in my capacity as chairman of Muhmmadiyah, I can say I am ready for it," he said at a get-together in Tegal, Central Java, on Saturday evening.

As to the reality, according to him, whether there was a political party wishing to nominate him and the nomination would certainly be able to meet the requirements to be forwarded to the General Election Commission (KPU).

"As to me, I will be ready to be nominated. If I am lucky and a certain party wants me to take part in the national leadership race either for president or vice presdeint, it's greatly welcomed," he said.

After that, he himself would have to hold consultations with Muhammadiyah to participate in the presidential election. "If allowed, I may consider taking an opportunity to compete," he said.

Asked whether there was a political party which had asked him to be a presidential candidate, Syamsuddin said said it was the National Sun Party.
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