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)