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)