Habibie urged to show statesmanship

JAKARTA (JP): Former members of the Association of Moslem Students demanded on Wednesday that President B.J. Habibie carefully weigh potential ramifications of another term in office and demonstrate statesmanship given the deep reservations about his government's legitimacy.

Anniswati M. Kamaluddin, the chairwoman of the National Council of Islamic Student Alumni (KAHMI), said Habibie should not entertain a presidential bid if his current position and candidacy turned out be "a source of conflicts".

Habibie has dismissed reports he is willing to serve again.

"KAHMI suggests that President Habibie genuinely demonstrate his statesmanship and be open and accommodative to public aspirations," Anniswati said at a media conference announcing the organization's stance.

It recommended that the President "consider power sharing with other national figures" particularly in carrying out the reform agenda.

The statement also urged the public to "accept the fact that Habibie's government was born out of (a state of) emergency" despite lingering questions of legitimacy. It is nevertheless constitutional and public acceptance is needed for it to execute its tasks, the group said.

KAHMI urged the Armed Forces to adjust its role in the face of changing times and increasing demands of a civil society. The Armed Forces "should be professionally improved to provide a sense of security to all citizens", it said. (anr)