Another Golkar proposition for PDI-P<\/p>\n
GARUT, West Java (JP): Despite having been rebuffed for an
\nearlier overture, Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung again made a
\nproposition to poll winner Indonesian Democratic Party of
\nStruggle (PDI Perjuangan) saying that the two parties' shared
\nstance on various issues was enough reason for future
\ncooperation.<\/p>\n
Addressing reporters on the sidelines of a wedding party for
\nthe second son of PDI Perjuangan's chairwoman Megawati
\nSoekarnoputri, Akbar said here on Sunday that he still hoped the
\ntwo parties would \"contribute significantly together\" to the
\nGeneral Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).<\/p>\n
The two parties could continue to cooperate in providing the
\npublic with political education and meeting people's aspirations,
\nhe said. He also claimed recent talks between leaders of the two
\nparties had yielded \"positive responses, albeit not deep enough\".<\/p>\n
\"We will dig deeper later on, especially on issues that will
\nbe discussed at the MPR session,\" he said. He pointed out that
\nboth parties were already in agreement over issues such as the
\namendment of the 1945 Constitution and concepts of a five year
\ndevelopment period.<\/p>\n
Akbar insisted, however, that Golkar would still field
\nincumbent B.J. Habibie as its presidential candidate, albeit with
\na condition that his account of leadership satisfied the MPR.<\/p>\n
PDI Perjuangan named Megawati as its presidential candidate.<\/p>\n
Akbar first made the overture last month, but Megawati turned
\nit down citing a large difference between the two parties.<\/p>\n
Some observers have become concerned of a possible deadlock in
\nthe MPR session as competition between Habibie and Megawati has
\nbecome increasingly stiff.<\/p>\n
Another presidential hopeful, Amien Rais of the National
\nMandate Party (PAN), set up an alternative political alliance
\nwhich he called the \"axis force\" and proposed the presidency of
\nAbdurrahman Wahid, the founder of the National Awakening Party
\n(PKB).<\/p>\n
In Surabaya, Amien urged on Sunday the dismissal of civilian
\nmilitias ahead of the MPR session to prevent clashes between
\nsupporters of different presidential candidates.<\/p>\n
Addressing the first anniversary of his party, Amien cited a
\nnumber of supporter groups such as Lasykar Tengkorak (The Skull
\nLegion) and Barisan Mati Megawati (Willing to Die for Megawati
\nSoldiers) on one side, and Lasykar Jihad (Jihad Legion) and
\nPasukan Jihad (Jihad Army) which support Habibie on the other.
\nMany such groups have threatened to come to Jakarta to pressure
\nlegislators to favor their candidates.<\/p>\n
Amien said it was not democratic to use the power of the
\nmasses against other groups. He urged political leaders to
\nrestrain and educate their supporters wisely.<\/p>\n
\"If this condition persists, I'm afraid Indonesia will see its
\nruin in the next General Session,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Amien used the opportunity to send home his message that the
\naxis force would be the ideal choice over the two big parties
\n\"which fight each other\".<\/p>\n
He insisted the axis force was not only supported by the
\noriginal eight Islamic parties, but also other small non-Islamic
\nparties.<\/p>\n
\"There's a misperception that the grouping supports Habibie
\nand is exclusive to Muslims,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Despite opposition by some leaders of the axis force, Amien
\nagain expressed his support for Abdurrahman's presidency. The
\nailing chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama, better known as Gus Dur, was
\n\"getting healthier, and his eyesight was improving\".<\/p>\n
\"I'm a Muhamaddiyah leader and I support Gus Dur. Isn't it
\nstrange that there are members of Nahdatul Ulema who don't
\nsupport his nomination,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Separately, political observer Eep Saefulloh Fatah said at a
\nseminar at the Al Azhar Grand Mosque that the axis force should
\nconsolidate and choose to take a long-term goal of becoming the
\nvoice of the Muslim force in the national political arena.<\/p>\n
He said the force's goals should not only have its
\npresidential candidate win, but more importantly boost the
\nposition of Muslims.<\/p>\n
He proposed alternative positions for the axis force to occupy
\nthe next administration. He said it could either become a junior
\npartner in the government or the opposition in legislative
\ncouncils. Regardless of the position, however, the Muslim force
\nshould serve as an effective monitor for how the country is being
\nrun, he said.<\/p>\n
\"The axis force should have a clear concept of reform agenda
\nwhich is in line with Muslim aspirations... and to lead Muslims
\ntoward establishing a civil society,\" he said. (06\/43\/nur\/swe)<\/p>",
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