Amien says MAR not meant to weaken govt

JAKARTA (JP): Moslem scholar Amien Rais has insisted that he never intended to undermine the government when he and a group of associates established the Majelis Amanah Rakyat (MAR) Council of People's Mandate.

He also told a media briefing in Yogyakarta on Saturday that no actions of the council, known as MAR, would go against the 1945 Constitution. "MAR, which was established by fellow activists, was never meant to counter, much less undermine, the government," Amien was quoted by Antara as saying about the new alliance of government critics which has been accused of being a "shadow government."

Amien called the media briefing to also dispel rumors that the Armed Forces (ABRI) had issued a warrant for his arrest for alleged subversive activities. The military also refuted the rumor.

Amien only said he had been reprimanded for his critical remarks, but did not elaborate. "As an ordinary human being, I might have said or done something wrong, and I thank the security personnel (for the reprimand)," he said.

Amien also insisted that MAR was merely a venue for people of various faiths, ethnic groups and races to help each another in their common search for the best solution to the economic crisis that has beset the country since last year.

"It never crossed our minds to establish a counter-government, because we do not have the money, the personnel or the authority to do so," he said.

"As long as it does not violate the constitution, MAR will continue its mission, namely finding a solution to the crisis," he said.

Amien announced the establishment of MAR last Thursday. Its first demand was that President Soeharto step down. The next day, Amien, along with prominent government critics Abdurrahman Wahid and Megawati Soekarnoputri, was listed as leaders of another alliance of critics, Forum Kerja Indonesia (Indonesia Working Forum, FKI), which has also demanded Soeharto's resignation.

Some of the names MAR claims are its supporters, including astronomer Karlina Leksono Supeli and former Supreme Court justice Adi Andojo, have denied they belong or had even been asked to join. Other members of MAR reportedly include senior economist Sumitro Djojohadikoesoemo, who, according to son Army Strategic Reserves Command chief Lt. Gen. Prabowo Subianto, has disclaimed any involvement.

Senior journalists Fikri Djufri and Goenawan Mohamad are also listed as MAR members.

Adi insists the claim by MAR undermines him personally as well as the campaign for reform waged by many.

"(Amien) should have met me beforehand and discussed the (plan) to establish MAR," Adi was quoted by Antara as saying.

Yesterday, Moslem scholar Nurcholish Madjid and poet Emha Ainun Nadjib responded favorably to their having been included in MAR, but called on Amien to speak and ask them personally.

"Amin Rais is my imam (leader)," Nurcholish said.

"I admire him, but I wish he would coordinate better, talk to us, so we can really help," Emha said in a media briefing. "We support him...but he should recognize us."

Emha expanded his call to other reformists. "Don't be like a locomotive that run forward by itself, leaving the coaches behind in confusion," he said.

Students

Separately, Goenawan Mohamad issued a statement saying that when he and fellow activists discussed the establishment of MAR, "what weighed heavily on my mind and heart was the young men who died (in the shooting) at Trisakti University campus (Tuesday) and the public rage because of it."

"That's why I readily agreed when the meeting, which was originally meant to establish a reform watch committee, changed course," Goenawan said. "Those who were present sensed an urgency, and I have never seen people from various backgrounds come to an agreement so quickly."

Regarding those whose names were included as MAR supporters but later disclaimed any involvement, Goenawan said "it doesn't matter".

Karlina, human rights campaigner Hendardi and Moslem scholar Mustofa Bisri were not present at the meeting, but Goenawan said they agreed to the idea of the meeting. "Things would be different, had they been present in the meeting," he said, adding that differences that emerged were a lesson in democracy and that politics was actually about seeking allies.

"I am grateful that I have come to know Amien Rais well, as well as other figures, who patiently managed the meeting, the results of which might not be perfect but were full of good intentions and the wish to maintain unity," he said.

Goenawan welcomed FKI and, quoting Amien, said the two alliances would complement one another. (swe)