Hasyim dismisses polygamy row

PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: Nadhlatul Ulama chairman Hasyim Muzadi has ruled out polygamy as a criterion for politicians to be blacklisted in the upcoming elections.

"Polygamy is permitted by certain religions (Islam). Besides, such a move would insult women who accept polygamy," Hasyim, who leads the country's largest Muslim organization, said over the weekend.

He expressed fear that the move by non-governmental organizations to call for a move against politicians who practiced polygamy could spark conflict in the society.

He suggested that the NGOs stick to their original criteria to brand crooked politicians as those who were involved in corruption, environmental destruction, sexual abuse, drug abuse and deceiving the public. -- Antara