Muhammdiyah not interested in politics

SOLO, Central Java (JP): Muhammadiyah, the country's largest socio-educational organization, has no intention of getting involved in politics, its acting chairman says.

Speaking at the meeting of the organization's policy-making body (Tanwir) yesterday, Amien Rais also said that the organization will never seek fleeting gains.

"Political ventures will only put Muhammadiyah in an unfavorable condition while it is a future-oriented organization in social and educational fields." he said.

The three-day meeting, held at Muhammadiyah University, will discuss preparations for the organization's congress in Banda Aceh in July next year.

The Tanwir meeting is being attended by all of Muhammadiyah's central board, branch leaders and representatives from its youth and women's factions.

Observers said the meeting will also appoint Amin, an American- educated political scientist, as full chairman.

He will replace Achmad Azhar Basyir who died several months ago. As Achmad did, Amien also teaches at the Yogyakarta-based Gadjah Mada University.

Armed Forces commander Gen. Feisal Tanjung, said in his speech that although Muhammadiyah is not a political entity its members can always channel their political aspirations through the political parties.

Feisal also asked Muhammadiyah leaders to be mindful of a negative trend which is now developing outside the organization.

He said a group -- which he did not name -- had failed to overcome the growing dynamics within itself and blamed outside elements for the crisis. The commander did not elaborate.

The Muhammadiyah meeting will also discuss a heated topic about limiting the term of its chairman. Dr. Syafei Maarif, vice chairman of the meeting's organizing committee, said that the term of office is crucial.

Unethical

Syafei said that it would be unethical if the chairman of the organization holds the job for an unlimited period. He has stated that the national president should be in office for only two terms.

"On the other hand," he said, "Muhammadiyah has not set up a system of succession even though the organization is older than the republic."

Several branch leaders have said they will reject Syafei's idea.

"It is no good because Muhammadiyah needs a charismatic leader," said Bachtiar Ibrahim, 68, who has been re-elected as chairman of North Sumatra branch four times.

He said that as for the changing of the guard "let nature decide."

Several younger Muhammadiyah activists told The Jakarta Post yesterday that the chairman's term should be limited otherwise "we will never train new cadres."

While Watik Pratiknya, a member of Muhammadiyah executive board, said that a charismatic leader for the organization means the person must have the capacity of an ulema, be an intellectual, a social leader and a good manager. (fadjri/tis)