Habibie urges citizens to avoid anarchy

Habibie urges citizens to avoid anarchy

JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie called on citizens
Saturday to avoid anarchy and work together for the success of
the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

Addressing the closing ceremony of a gathering of leaders of
Islamic organizations at Merdeka Palace, the President said
anarchy, in any form, would destroy democracy.

"If Muslim leaders and ulemas want to convey their aspirations
for the MPR General Session, they should deliver the message
through the existing constitutional ways," he said.

"If they choose unconstitutional methods, what will happen is
a violation of the Constitution," he added.

Some 350 leaders from various Muslim mass organizations took
part in the closing ceremony of the three-day gathering, which
was also attended by Minister of Home Affairs Syarwan Hamid and
Minister of Religious Affairs Malik Fajar.

The General Session of the 700-member Assembly to be held in
November will elect a president and vice president and endorse
the 1999-2004 Broad State Policy Guidelines (GBHN).

Habibie said the key element of reform was the constitutional
implementation of democratization.

The President called on the ulemas and Muslim figures to help
create peace and stability in the country.

"As we can all see lately, the nation has been suffering
unhealthy conflicts in society, which has lead to violence," he
said.

"Islam is against violence and has never taught people to
commit it."

He said that following steps would need to be taken to fight
violence and intimidation in society.

"Public or group leaders, who cannot prevent violence and
intimidation within his authority, would not be able to prevent
violence in a greater scope, the state," he said. (prb/imn)