Muslim faction not exclusive

Muslim faction not exclusive

From Rakyat Merdeka

Interesting political developments have taken place in this
country. Hamzah Haz of the United Development Party (PPP), in
cooperation with eight small Muslim parties, launched the idea of
forming a Muslim faction in the House of Representatives (DPR) in
the context of building an "axis force". The National Mandate
Party (PAN) decided to join but they changed the name to the
reform faction. It is not meant to be exclusive. Amien Rais said
the axis force had proposed Abdurrahman Wahid, better known as
Gus Dur, to be the alternative president.

"This is Amien's proposal, and I am not involved in that
matter. I had stated my support for Megawati Soekarnoputri. I
reiterate it here. The people's voice is God's voice," Gus Dur
said at the Senayan main stadium on July 25.

The Golkar faction continues to propose B.J. Habibie as its
presidential candidate. It has set up a team headed by Akbar
Tandjung for that purpose. The Indonesian Democratic Party of
Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), supported by the National Awakening
Party (PKB) and the Justice and Unity Party (PKP), proposed from
the start that Megawati Soekarnoputri is their presidential
candidate.

If such is the case, it is predicted that there will be an
attractive fight at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). May
it take place in a smooth and clean way guided by a sportsmanlike
spirit without money politics. Thus, whoever is the winner, we
all will accept with equanimity because politicians will have
fought as national noblemen and heroes. They continue the ideals
of the founders of this republic because they have given up self-
interests. May God shield this nation from a rift.

SOEHARTONO FA HIEN

Ujungberung, West Java