Gus Dur supports Mustofa for NU chair

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