NU reluctant to request Hasyim's resignation
NU reluctant to request Hasyim's resignation
Suherdjoko, Rembang, Central Java
Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) patrons have gathered here to discuss the
nomination of its leader, Hasyim Muzadi, as running mate to
President Megawati Soekarnoputri and its consequences for the
country's largest Muslim organization.
The closed meeting was still underway at Puri Indah Hotel at
the time of printing, under heavy security provided by civilian
security guards who forced journalists to wait in the hotel
lobby.
It remains unclear who attended the meeting aside from NU
patron Mustofa Bisri and Muchid Muzadi, Hasyim's brother.
The meeting followed a reception hosted by Mustofa to
celebrate his daughter's wedding.
NU head of human resources development Ulil Abshar Abdalla,
one of Mustofa's sons-in-law, said the patrons would at least ask
Hasyim to be nonactive for the duration of the presidential
campaign.
"To ask him to resign is of course impossible, therefore a
request for his suspension will be the most likely," Ulil told
reporters.
It remains unclear, however, whether NU deputy chairman
Solahuddin Wahid, who is the running mate for Golkar Party
presidential candidate Wiranto, will be subject to a similar
policy.
Demands have been made by NU-linked organizations that Hasyim
relinquish the top post, as his entry into the presidential race
violates the founding principle of NU as an apolitical
organization.
Hasyim has said he would be nonactive during the campaign
period between June 1 and June 30.
Ulil said the patrons' clear stance would keep Hasyim from
abusing his power and prevent a conflict of interest.
A firm position, he added, would make up for the weak NU
statute, which does not specify conditions regarding NU leaders
who contest the presidential election.
The NU statute only bans its executives from direct
involvement with political parties.
Muchid said the gathering also discussed preparations for the
annual congress in September in Surakarta, Central Java.
He declined to comment on a possible decision on the issue,
but asserted Hasyim's nomination would not affect NU's neutrality
in politics.