Amien Rais likely to retain Muhammadiyah post: Scholar
Amien Rais likely to retain Muhammadiyah post: Scholar
SEMARANG (JP): Amien Rais has secured the support of a well-
known scholar, Afan Gaffar, who was initially believed to be one
of his contenders in next month's race for the top spot in the
influential Moslem organization Muhammadiyah.
Afan Gaffar said yesterday that he had no intention of running
for the chairmanship of the 28 million-member Muhammadiyah, which
is proud to call itself a reformist organization.
"I'm sure Amien Rais will have no strong contender standing
between him and the top spot," Afan told The Jakarta Post.
Afan, an outspoken political scholar from Yogyakarta's Gadjah
Mada University, was initially mentioned as a Muhammadiyah figure
with ambitions regarding the organization's chairmanship.
Other figures known to be interested in the position are
Lukman Harun, who leads the Committee for Islamic Solidarity;
Prodjokusumo, a Muhammadiyah deputy chairman; Muchlas Abror,
Muhammadiyah secretary and Sutrisno Muchdam, also a deputy
chairman of the organization.
Afan said that he was aware that some figures wanted him in
the race. "But the thing is that, although I'm a Muhammadiyah
activist, I don't have a membership card," he said.
He said that as things stand Amien, who has led Muhammadiyah
since the death of the organization's former chief last year, has
an excellent chance of retaining the post. Afan cited Amien's
academic and religious abilities in support of his prediction.
"Frankly speaking, I have to support his candidacy. Even
without my support I'm sure he will be able to win up to 99.9
percent of the votes," Afan said.
As the congress, scheduled for early next month in Banda Aceh,
draws near, numerous interest groups within Muhammadiyah are
maneuvering to strengthen their positions.
Afan said that the mass support for Amien, who is an expert on
the Middle East, was too strong for other figures to match.
"Besides, he has good relations with the government. So there
is no reason to reject his leadership," Afan said.
Afan speculated that various Muhammadiyah figures were
maneuvering for positions in the organization's central board of
executives, rather than seeking to clinch the chairmanship.
(har/pan)