We won't interfere: Harmoko<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Golkar Chairman Harmoko vowed yesterday that the
\nruling political organization would stay out of the upcoming
\nchairmanship election of the 28 million-strong Islamic
\norganization Muhammadiyah.<\/p>\n
Harmoko denied suggestions that Golkar was pushing for the
\ncandidacy of one of its top figures.<\/p>\n
\"Golkar will not interfere in the internal affairs of
\nMuhammadiyah,\" Harmoko told reporters. He was speaking after
\ninstalling new officials in his official capacity as Minister of
\nInformation at his office.<\/p>\n
With less than a month before the congress of Muhammadiyah,
\nthe reformist Moslem organization, speculation regarding the
\nelections to the chairmanship is rife. The current chairman is
\nAmien Rais.<\/p>\n
In the aftermath of the government's attempt, and failure, to
\ninfluence the elections of the other massive Islamic
\norganization, Nahdlatul Ulama, last December, some analysts are
\nspeculating that the government will try its luck with
\nMuhammadiyah.<\/p>\n
Acknowledging that several Golkar cadres currently held
\nexecutive positions in Muhammadiyah, Harmoko stressed that the
\nruling group would leave the election process to Muhammadiyah.<\/p>\n
\"Organizationally, Golkar does not want to interfere. They
\n(the cadres) are free to move forward (to the chairmanship) as
\nlong as they do so in accordance with the constitution and rules
\nof Muhammadiyah,\" he said.<\/p>\n
The congress will be held in Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh
\nprovince, between July 6 and July 10. President Soeharto has
\nagreed to open the proceedings and Vice President Try Sutrisno
\nwill attend the closing ceremony.<\/p>\n
Harmoko refused to comment on rumors that Din Syamsudin, head
\nof Golkar's research and development division, was the
\ngovernment's or Golkar's candidate. \"I think it would be
\nunethical to answer your questions now,\" he said, adding that the
\ncandidacy was Muhammadiyah's prerogative.<\/p>\n
Harmoko said Golkar was a large organization which had cadres
\neverywhere; \"even in the rickshaw drivers' association,\" he
\nadded.<\/p>\n
He said it was just a reality that many people chose to
\nchannel their political aspirations through Golkar, as was the
\ncase with Golkar cadres in Muhammadiyah.<\/p>\n
Separately, Din Syamsudin denied yesterday that he was seeking
\nnomination for the Muhammadiyah chairmanship, saying that there
\nwere other more senior and capable figures for the job.<\/p>\n
\"It is not true that Golkar, the government or the Armed
\nForces are supporting my candidacy,\" he said as quoted by Antara.<\/p>\n
Discussing his hopes for the congress, Harmoko said he would
\nlike to see Muhammadiyah concentrate on developing programs for
\nthe coming five to 10 years in order to increase professionalism.<\/p>\n
He also called on Muhammadiyah to enhance social solidarity.<\/p>\n
\"In the age of globalization, there is a tendency for social
\nsolidarity to wane,\" the minister said.<\/p>\n
Harmoko has also been listed in the tentative congress
\nschedule among top government officials who will address the
\nBanda Aceh congress. Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung is
\nalso on the list.<\/p>\n
Earlier yesterday, Vice President Try Sutrisno told
\nMuhammadiyah's central executive board that he hoped the congress
\nwould avoid blowing up minor and peripheral issues into major
\nones.<\/p>\n
According to Muhammadiyah chairman Amien Rais, who paid a
\ncourtesy call on Try yesterday, the vice president also called
\nfor the organization to promote the concepts of nationhood and
\nIslam.<\/p>\n
\"According to Pak (Mr.) Try, the concepts of Islam and
\nnationhood are mutually supporting, so it is strange if some
\npeople argue that the two are in conflict,\" Amien said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Study and Communication Forum of the
\nMuhammadiyah Alumni Association, in a statement yesterday,
\ndeclared their support for the nomination of H.S. Prodjokoesoemo
\nfor chairman.<\/p>\n
The 70-year-old retired Colonel has served as vice chairman
\nand is currently treasurer of Muhammadiyah.(mds)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/we-wont-interfere-harmoko-1447893297",
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