Envoy tips scholar for president

Envoy tips scholar for president

JAKARTA (JP): Is the United States tipping Muslim scholar
Nurcholish Madjid to become Indonesia's next president?

Perhaps not, but U.S. Ambassador Stapleton J. Roy has at least
recognized that Nurcholish has the potential to lead the country.

"The esteemed would-be president, Nurcholish Madjid," Roy
quipped in a speech when he presented several translated American
books to the National Library on Monday.

Several renowned public figures present burst into laughter
and applauded. They included former Indonesian ambassador to the
U.S. Lt. Gen (ret) Hasnan Habib, former finance minister Mar'ie
Muhammad, rights activists Karlina Leksono and Munir and scholar
Mohamad Sobary.

A visibly embarrassed Nurcholish grinned, Antara reported.

Roy explained that names of potential presidential candidates,
including Nurcholish, were circulating, outlining their
respective capabilities.

Many people consider Nurcholish is the dark horse in the race
dominated by the names of Amien Rais, Gen. Wiranto, Megawati
Soekarnoputri, B.J. Habibie and Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono.

Roy described how the world was looking to the result of the
June 7 general election. "We are awaiting for the elected
legislature and president."

Nurcholish refused comment on the matter.

Roy presented six books translated from the English: Dimensi
Publik Politik Luar Negeri by David D. Newson; Hak Asasi Manusia
Sebuah Pengantar by George Clack and Kathleen Hug; Korupsi dan
Ekonomi Dunia by Kimberly Ann Elliott; Penyelewengan Aparat
Pemerintah by Sheldon S. Steinberg and David T. Austern; Panduan
Pemberitaan Lingkungan Hidup by Bernadette West, Peter M Sandina
and Michael R. Grenberg; Iman dan Sejarah dalam Peradaban Islam
by Marshal G.S. Hodgson. (aan)