Call for Islamic coalition

Call for Islamic coalition

From Republika

My suggestion in 2001 that only one Islamic party should be
set up received a muted response from the Muslim party elite. In
2003 I attended three meetings with Islamic and Muslim-based
parties to voice the same aspiration, but failed to secure any
follow-up while general elections were approaching.

On Jan. 26, 2004, private TV station Lativi reported that five
Islamic parties in North Sumatra had formed a coalition and in
the elections will follow the one with the most votes. I was
deeply moved and hope elites from Muslim parties across the
country have been informed of the news.

I would suggest the Islamic coalition leaders in Medan should
hold a public meeting at a mosque without displaying party
symbols. A lecture could be delivered by a non-partisan Islamic
scholar or teacher, who would emphasize Muslim brotherhood
towards an Islamic unity. It would not be necessary for the party
leaders -- sitting before their followers -- to speak.

In the coming campaign period, party leaders in the Islamic
coalition should begin their election campaigns jointly instead
of arranging individual rallies. I am convinced, by going back to
the mosque, Islamic fraternity will get a considerable boost.

KH CHOLIL RIDWAN
Jakarta