Habibie urged to show statesmanship

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)