Noted cleric opposes Hasyim's reelection bid

SURABAYA: A senior Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) cleric said on Monday the chairman of the country's largest Islamic organization, Hasyim Muzadi, no longer had a place in the organization and did not deserve reelection.

Yusuf Hasyim said Hasyim's deep involvement with politics, as shown by his decision to run as Megawati Soekarnoputri's vice presidential candidate, had caused a rift in the organization.

"He (Hasyim) does not deserve a position on the NU's next central board, let alone the chairmanship, as he has created conflict within the organization. He should apologize for using the NU as his political vehicle, because the NU is not a political organization," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

The NU, which claims to have about 40 million members, will hold a national congress in November to elect a new chairman. -- Antara