'I am tired,' NU chief Gus Dur says

SEMARANG (JP): Abdurrahman Wahid, chairman of the country's largest Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), said he did not wish to be reelected chairman in November.

"I am tired. I don't want to be nominated as Nahdlatul Ulama chairman in the next leadership election," Abdurrahman, better known as Gus Dur, told the media here on Saturday. He has been chairman of the 38 million-strong organization for five 15-year terms, and wields considerable political clout.

Abdurrahman, who has also been nominated to run for the presidency, said it is not healthy for an organization to be too dependent on one man.

"Actually, I have wanted to resign as chairman for quite some time, but then there was no one to replace me. Now the successor is available and therefore I am ready to step down," said Abdurrahman, who is also the founder and presidential candidate of the National Awakening Party (PKB).

The 30th leadership meeting of Nahdlatul Ulama is scheduled to take place at Lirboyo Islamic boarding school in Kediri, East Java, from Nov. 22 to Nov. 27. Abdurrahman has proposed four prospective candidates to chair the organization.

The four are Mustofa Bisri, an influential NU leader in Rembang, Central Java; Hasyim Muzadi, chairman of the East Java NU chapter; noted scholar Said Aqiel Siradj and Fadjrul Falaakh, an NU deputy chairman.

Abdurrahman reiterated he would refuse any efforts to renominate him even if his supporters press him to run again.

"I would still say no as my renomination is not good for the organization," said Abdurrahman, who successfully led the PKB to third place in the June polls with 12.61 percent of the vote and 51 seats in the House of Representatives.

Abdurrahman is chairman of the Tanfidzyah (executive board), while the position of chairman of the Syuriyah (law-making body) is held by Ilyas Ruchiyat.

"I even would refuse if appointed as rois (chairman) of the Syuriah, as the position requires comprehensive understanding of Islamic laws," Abdurrahman said, adding that he would continue to serve in Nahdlatul Ulama but not as chairman.

Abdurrahman also reiterated the organization needs to develop its human resources. "All this time the aspect of human resource development has been neglected, because NU is busy handling various pressures," he said, referring to the organization's political role.

"Now I think it's time for the organization to build better human resources, if that's okay with the future chairman," Abdurrahman said. (har/edt)