ABRI welcomes Amien's presidential ambition

JAKARTA (JP): Two of the Armed Forces most senior officers said they were not opposed to politician Amien Rais' stated presidential ambitions, but stressed that his nomination should be conducted through the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

Armed Forces Commander Gen. Feisal Tanjung and Armed Forces Sociopolitical Affairs Chief Lt. Gen. M. Yunus Yosfiah both said Saturday that it was Amien's right to declare his nomination.

Feisal claimed that it would not be a problem for a citizen to declare his or her nomination for the presidency.

"We (ABRI) do not have any problems with Amien Rais' nomination. The most important thing is that we elect the country's best candidate," Feisal told reporters after joining a march commemorating the Armed Forces' 52nd anniversary.

"Anybody, including Amien Rais, can nominate himself or herself for the presidency. You (journalists) can nominate yourselves, too," he said.

Yunus agreed with Feisal but emphasized the need to follow the proper procedures.

"It's not wrong for Amien Rais to declare his presidential nomination. But he should follow the right procedure, that is through factions at the MPR," he said.

The chairman of the 28-million strong Muhammadiyah Moslem Organization said last week that he would be willing to join the presidential race next year.

"Insya Allah (with God's blessing) I'll be ready and have the courage to be nominated for the presidency," Amien replied in a seminar when asked whether he would accept a nomination.

Amien is the third civilian who has declared his readiness to be nominated as president.

Controversial politician Sri Bintang Pamungkas declared his nomination last year, while lesser known Berar Fathia of the Indonesian Democratic Party declared her nomination last month.

Feisal claimed that the Armed Forces would not be adverse to debate on the presidential nominees as long as it fell within the bounds of existing laws and regulations.

"Discussions and debates on the presidency, held in scientific forums, are allowed," he said.

Nevertheless he was quick to add that the final decision would rest with the MPR.

The 1,000-strong MPR will convene next March to elect the president and vice president and endorse the State Policy Guidelines.

Yunus also said seminars or dialogs on the presidency could be held. "It's the right of everybody to hold such dialogs," he remarked.

But he disagreed with the idea of organizing a national dialog, arguing there would be no guarantee it would be attended by all elements of society.

"Just mention the forum as a seminar or discussion... Because the most appropriate forum for a national dialog is the MPR forum." (imn)