Gus Dur asked to defend truth

Those wishing President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid to step down:

* Amien Rais, an Association of Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals (ICMI) member: Gus Dur had better step down. It's good for him and all of us.

* Nurcholish Madjid, an ICMI member: Gus Dur had rather withdraw, better than made to withdraw by the House of Representatives. If he withdraws, he still has integrity. But the House should use the phases of the memorandum.

* Yusril Ihza Mahendra, a Moon and Star Party (PBB) member: Personally, I've asked Gus Dur to resign. It's better, because the House of Representatives plenary session's result is clear. Gus Dur's legitimation is questioned.

* Ichlasul Amal, Gajah Mada University rector: Gus Dur had better withdraw. He can withdraw elegantly for medical reasons, as done by former U.S. president Nixon. Perhaps it's wiser.

Akbar Tandjung, House speaker: If the Attorney General legally processes Gus Dur in relation to the Bulog scandal, the President had better be nonactive.

Those are the opinions of the figures opposing the President. I think they don't see the real facts.

They have only read news in the papers and watched TV. Didn't they listen to the facts exposed by the National Awakening Party in the House? It can be clearly seen that Gus Dur is not guilty. If the figures mentioned above were prepared to listen to the said facts, and they still stubbornly want to oust Gus Dur, I am sorry to say that they are not intelligent people.

Further, I expect the people to be more intelligent and smarter in their thinking.

SOEHARTONO FA HIEN

Bandung