Journalist teaches Jusuf greeting

Journalist teaches Jusuf greeting

JAKARTA (JP): Jusuf Syakir, the chairman of the Moslem-based
United Development Party (PPP) faction in the Assembly, received
a valuable lesson in Islamic conduct yesterday from a
photographer.

Moslems are taught to greet their brethren with
Assalamu'alaikum (peace be with you) upon meeting or parting, or
before addressing a gathering. At the end of speeches they are
expected to say Wassalamu'alaikum.

Jusuf talked to the press after meeting with President-elect
Soeharto at his private residence on Jl. Cendana, Central
Jakarta.

The five Assembly factions met with Soeharto yesterday to
confirm his readiness to accept B.J. Habibie as the vice
president.

Jusuf forgot to conclude his account about the meeting with
the Islamic greeting.

"Say Wassalamu'alaikum, Sir, " protested a photographer to the
stunned legislator.

"As a legislator from PPP he must set an example of how to
behave as a Moslem. This is very basic," said another reporter.

Jusuf then promptly said, Wassalamu'alaikum. (prb)