ABRI welcomes Amien's presidential ambition

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)