No suspicion, please

No suspicion, please

From Republika

The recent visit of influential leaders of Nahdlatul Ulama and Islamic boarding school principals to the residence of former president Suharto in Jakarta, should not be viewed over suspiciously.

The Muslim figures were there to pray for the speedy recovery of Suharto. Praying for the sick is always right and praiseworthy and the presence of these religious authorities should not be blown out of proportion.

However, while they have explained there was no political agenda at the meeting, in an atmosphere of democracy such suspicions can still be understood. Especially when some political elites are worrying about their positions with the emergence of Mbak Tutut, Suharto's daughter, in politics.

In the last few weeks, Mbak Tutut has been welcomed in educational institutions, Islamic boarding schools and at street markets around the country. The media has not reported any protests over her presence.

DONK GANIE, Jakarta