Axis chiefs skip Muslim gathering
Axis chiefs skip Muslim gathering
JAKARTA (JP): Tens of thousands of supporters of Muslim-based
political parties attended an "axis force" gathering at Senayan
Sports Stadium in Central Jakarta on Sunday to call for Muslim
unity.
Despite the enthusiasm of those in attendance, reported at
over 50,000, the event was slightly tarnished by the absence of
such high-profile axis force figures as People's Consultative
Assembly Speaker Amien Rais, United Development Party (PPP)
chairman Hamzah Haz and Crescent and Star Party (PBB) chief
Yusril Ihzra Mahendra.
Taking his lead from media reports on Sunday morning that
quoted President Abdurrahman Wahid as claiming a grand plan to
overthrow him, organizing committee chairman Habib Umar Al-Hamir
opened the gathering by stressing that the event was "not
intended to topple anyone".
He said the event was being held to unite Muslims in the
political process of guiding democratization.
"We have to safeguard and straighten the direction of reform.
Reform should be straightened by religion," he told the crowd.
A large banner unfurled on the side of the stadium read: "Axis
Force -- Forward for a United Islam". But the absence of top axis
force politicians served to dampen the significance of the event.
The axis force is a loose alliance of Muslim-based political
party and the National Mandate Party (PAN).
It proved to be a pivotal coalition during the Special Session
of the People's Consultative Assembly in October last year,
helping to catapult PAN chief Amien Rais into the Assembly
speakership and helping Abdurrahman defeat early favorite
Megawati Soekarnoputri for the presidency.
There was no immediate word on why a number of the leading
axis force politicians did not attend the gathering.
The only notable political party leader to attended the four-
hour event was Nurmahmudi Ismail of the Justice Party (PK).
Addressing the crowd, Nurmahmdi, who is also minister of
forestry and plantations, expressed hope the country would
develop a democratic culture with a clean and dignified
government.
He added that Muslims now faced challenges in enhancing their
unity, but stressed that they must not relent in their efforts to
correct any mistakes in the reform agenda.
"Let's participate in the reform agenda which was fought for
by students, ulema and the Indonesian people, to create a clean
and democratic government," he said as quoted by Antara.
Other speakers at the event included Muslim figure Zainuddin
M.Z., who told the crowd they had the obligation to support the
government which was chosen by the people and to safeguard the
nation's integrity.
"We, as Muslims, each of us has to be a medium to uphold
national integrity," said Zainuddin, who was earlier known for
his association with the Golkar Party. (emf)