Gus Dur supports Mustofa for NU chair

BANDUNG, West Java: The chief patron of the country's largest Muslim Organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, announced his support on Monday for the nomination of cleric Mustofa Bisri for the NU chairmanship.

Gus Dur said that Mustofa, who was also a renowned poet, was the strongest contender among the candidates who would contest the race for the NU chairmanship at the organization's congress, slated to be held between Nov. 28 and Dec. 2, in Surakarta, Central Java.

The cleric also said that Mustofa was the most suitable candidate as he had a deep knowledge of religious teachings and was willing to devote himself to the organization and the public at large.

However, should Mustofa withdraw from the race, Gus Dur said that former religious affairs minister Tolchah Hasan was ready to be nominated. -- JP