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)