KPU rejects Gus Dur's nomination

JAKARTA (JP): The General Elections Commission (KPU) rejected on Monday the nomination of Abdurrahman Wahid, better known as Gus Dur, as a Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) candidate for the interest group faction in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

NU, the largest Muslim organization here, is allotted one seat as part of the interest group faction, which has a total of 65 seats.

NU chairman Abdurrahman was nominated by the organization to represent the organization.

Commission chairman Rudini said the commission's rejection was based on the fact that Abdurrahman was one of the founders of the National Awakening Party (PKB).

According to the commission, those selected for the interest group faction must not be aligned to a political party.

"I will visit Abdurrahman, if necessary, to explain the matter, and I think he will understand," Antara quoted Rudini as saying.

Hasballah M. Saad of the National Mandate Party (PAN) called on the commission to reconsider its stance, given that Abdurrahman was the sole NU candidate nominated.

From Cairo, Egypt, Antara reported that Abdurrahman brushed off the rejection. "I never asked for any position, but I will always be ready to hold one," he was quoted as saying on Friday.

Separately in Semarang, Central Java, political scientist Mohammad AS Hikam suggested Abdurrahman not take his presidential nomination by Muslim-based parties too seriously.

Abdurrahman has emerged in recent weeks as an alternative candidate put forward by parties such as Amien Rais' National Mandate Party. (05/har)